Qatar Airways is planning to use the Boeing 737 MAX 8 for its short-haul flights, as it aims to add capacity to help drive future growth, especially in the short-haul markets, according to published reports.
In a statement to Doha News, the carrier confirmed the new additions to its fleet, setting in motion moves to indirectly receive its new Boeing narrow-bodies from an order made originally by Russian airline S7.
S7 originally purchased nine MAX 8s for the Oneworld Alliance member, however, the sanctions brought on by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have rendered them undeliverable, according to fleet data, reports said.
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According to Planespotters.net, at least nine Boeing 737 MAX 8s are due to go to Qatar Airways. The registrations (and former registrations) for these aircraft are as follows:
- A7-BSA (ex VP-BXE)
- A7-BSB (ex VP-BXI)
- A7-BSC (ex VP-BXJ)
- A7-BSD (ex VP-BXK)
- A7-BSE (ex-registration unknown)
- A7-BSF (ex VP-BXF)
- A7-BSG (ex VP-BXM)
- A7-BSH (ex VP-BXG)
- A7-BSI (ex VP-BXH)
Data analysis revealed that Air Lease Corporation made the order for S7’s 737 MAX aircraft back in 2012. Even though the 737 MAX crisis halted 737 MAX operations and deliveries to Russia, the Russian airline received its first 737 MAX in 2018.
In July 2022, Qatar Airways confirmed its order for 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft from the American company, reviving the deal after months of talks.
Meanwhile, Turkish Airlines has already acquired 737 MAX aircraft originally intended for S7. AnadoluJet, a Turkish Airlines subsidiary, received five 737-8 aircraft in June of last year that were also intended for S7.
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