Qatar Airways is considering removing the Boeing 737-10 model from its order book, as it no longer meets its fleet needs.
The airline, which had ordered 25 of the aircraft, is contemplating switching to smaller 737-8s, which could be handed over to partners like RwandAir and Virgin Australia Holdings, who already operate the model.
Qatar Airways finalized its deal for 737s in mid-2022, during a contentious dispute with Airbus SE that resulted in the cancellation of an order for 50 A321 narrowbody jets.
The conflict, which stemmed from issues with the larger A350 model, was eventually settled out of court, and Airbus reinstated the order.
However, this left Qatar Airways with an obligation for the Boeing 737 narrowbody planes, which it now no longer requires.
Qatar Airways declined to comment on the matter, while a Boeing official stated that the manufacturer would defer to the customer.
In July, CEO Badr Al-Meer mentioned that relations with Airbus had improved, with the planemaker delivering aircraft ahead of schedule.
Al-Meer, who succeeded Akbar Al Baker, took over amid tensions with Airbus over issues like flaking paint on the larger A350 planes.
Qatar Airways primarily operates long-haul models like the Airbus A350 and Boeing’s 787 and 777 planes. As it considers switching to smaller 737 Max models, the airline may also increase its order for Boeing’s 787 aircraft and possibly opt for the 777 freighter, according to sources.
The 737 Max 10, the largest variant of Boeing’s single-aisle family, has faced delays, leading Qatar Airways to join carriers like United Airlines and Virgin Australia in reconsidering their orders for the model.
