Focus on Qatar Airways as world's biggest air show

The aviation industry's biggest annual event takes off today at Le Bourget, Paris. The Paris Air Show 2011, ending June 26, will see airlines from the Middle East among other big global carriers making a strong buzz, with Qatar Airways leading the way. The Doha-based carrier is expected to spell good news for European aircraft manufacturer Airbus as it is expected to place huge orders for planes like the Airbus A380, A330 and A320. "We are looking at placing a small order for additional A380 superjumbos during the Paris Air Show," Akbar Al Baqer, Qatar Airways chief executive, recently told Gulf News. "And as for the other aircraft types, we are interested in two the Airbus A320neo [the re-engined version of the medium-range A320] and the Bombardier C Series." He added that it all depended on the carrier's negotiations with aircraft manufacturers as well as with engine makers. Market experts, however, peg Qatar Airways' orders and commitments for aircraft at between ten and 20 A380s (up from the current five on order); and up to 50 A320neos. The carrier, which is likely to float an IPO (initial public offering) this year as Al Baqer said last week, plans to convert around 20 Airbus A330 passenger jets into freighters to expand cargo operations. Ernest S. Arvai, president and CEO of The Arvai Group, a US-based aviation consultancy, told Gulf News: "Middle East carriers will be placing orders at Paris this year, and many eyes are on Qatar Airways, which will likely create headlines." He warned, though, that it remains to be seen if Al Baqer would place a major order at the show or defer like last year, when an anticipated C Series order was not placed. Arvai added that Qatar could order A380s, the A320neo and C Series at Paris, and has stated intent on each type during the past year. "However, nothing is firm until a signature is on the appropriate page," he said. Etihad Airways will have a small presence at the show, even though the Abu Dhabi-based carrier is unlikely to make any major order announcements. Emirates, meanwhile, is steering clear of the Paris Air Show, as recently indicated by its president Tim Clark. The airline is saving its massive order declarations for this year's Dubai Airshow, according to Clark. Arvai said: "Emirates will continue its fleet growth, likely with additional orders of existing types, including additional A380s. There is a possibility, however, that Emirates may wait until the Dubai show to order." Overall, massive aircraft orders are expected to land at the Paris air show, indicating strong signs that the industry remains undeterred by poor market conditions such as volatile jet fuel prices, political unrest in the Middle East and North Africa and Japan's natural disasters. Among manufacturers, Airbus so far looks like the show-stealer according to industry experts and potential order estimates. The two rivals will compete over narrow-body types like Airbus A320neo and Boeing 737. From / Gulf News