Qatar adds 12 more Rafales and 50 A321s as French President visits

Qatar has taken up the option to buy 12 additional Dassault Rafale fighters announcing the deal at a event with the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,from the Qatar Armed Forces
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As part of the French president's state visit to Doha, Qatar also ordered 50 A321neo narrowbodies. Qatar Airways already operated 39 Airbus A320s and has 11 more due for delivery before 2020
This new defence order follows on from the contract signed on 4 May 2015 between the State of Qatar and Dassault Aviation for the acquisition of 24 Rafale, thus raising the number of Rafale aircraft operated by the Qatar Emiri Air Force to 36.
“This new agreement is built around the special relationship that exists between the two countries and the shared determination, by the Defense Ministry of Qatar and Dassault Aviation, to move forwards together”, saidd Eric Trappier, chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.
The value of the fighter jets was put at $1.1bn, although the Qatari’s also ordered other equipment including 490 armoured vehicles which, with the Airbus narrowbodies, took the value close to $14 billion (12bn Euros)
Qatar has also agreed an option for another 36 Rafales according to the French government.

Meanwhile J, the A321neo ACF will support the continuous development of Qatar Airways’ network ’leveraging from the A321neo range capability and the unprecedented customer experience. The total value of the deal is at $6.35 billion at list prices.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Akbar Al Baker, said: “At a time when Qatar Airways is experiencing unprecedented growth and expansion the need for efficient, reliable and modern aircraft has never been greater. To answer our need for growth and additional capacity, the A321neo  is a world-class choice for our passengers and for our business. Qatar Airways is the fastest growing airline in the world and with this aircraft we will operate the youngest fleet whilst delivering unprecedented comfort and services to our customers.”

The A321 is the largest member of the A320 Family, seating up to 240 passengers. Incorporating the latest engines, aerodynamic advances, and cabin innovations and offers a significant reduction in fuel consumption of at least 15% per seat from day one and 20% by 2020.