Manama: Boeing will soon have a base in Qatar, according to Paul Kinscherff, the company's president for the Middle East.
"Currently, Boeing is operating from Dubai, but given the circumstances, opening a full-fledged office in Qatar has become a necessity. And it’s going to become a reality soon," he was quoted by Qatar Tribune, as saying.
He added that the number of Boeing aircraft in Qatar has increased substantially in recent months and the trend is expected to continue with the company poised for massive growth.
This year the airline procured eight Boeing 777s. It has also placed orders for Boeing's Dreamliner 787 and bought a couple of the massive tactical airlifter C-17 Globemaster III produced by Boeing
Kinscherff emphasised too the need for field infrastructure. "Given the massive investment made by Qatar Airways in planes, there’s an urgent need for field infrastructure for the upkeep of aircraft," said Kinscherff.
"You cannot keep your aircraft stranded for a long time. That is basic economics. It has to remain airworthy to make profits and that needs manpower and spare parts for its upkeep," he told the daily in Doha.
In comments on whether Boeing was interested in selling fighter aircraft like F-16s and F-18s to Qatar, Kinscherff said it was a matter for the two governments to decide.
"This is an altogether different ball game. For military planes, the decision has to be taken by the American Senate. There is continued interest in tactical aircraft, rotorcraft and strategic airlift in the region," he said.
He added that the company was aware of the interest shown by Qatar Airways in the Canadian Bombardier C-Series aircraft, which, according to Akbar Al Baker, the airlines Chief Executive Officer, are to be used on flights to destinations within three hour's flight of its Doha hub.
"We build large business class jets like the Jumbos or the 737s to cater to the elite class in which they can accommodate their entire troupe. But with the market hotting up for smaller jets, having a capacity of around 110 seats, Boeing is having a wait-and-watch approach," he said.
Shrugging off the effects of the economic recession, he said the outlook for the aviation sector was upbeat in 2010, adding that, "so far the airline industry has bagged an order of 263 planes of various types, which is roughly equivalent to that of 2009”.
The Middle East, China and India have helped the aviation sector beat the recession, he added, pointing out that the Middle East market over the next 20 years is expected to be worth $390 billion (DH1, 432.55 billion) and the world in general, will need about 30,900 new aircraft by 2029.
