Qatar Airways grounds its Dreamliners

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: “I previously stated that Qatar Airways will only stop operating our Dreamliners if we receive such an instruction from regulators.

 

“Safety remains the number one priority for Qatar Airways. We ensure all our aircraft meet the most stringent safety standards and this will not be compromised in any way.

 

“In light of recent events surrounding the Boeing 787 Dreamliner worldwide, we are actively working with Boeing and the regulators to restore full customer confidence in the 787.

 

“Qatar Airways will resume 787 operations when we are clear that the aircraft meets the full requirements of the Airworthiness Directive and our standards which assure the safety of our passengers and crew at all times. So we are not flying the aircraft until and only such a time this is achieved.

 

“Qatar Airways would like to express our sincere apologies to passengers booked on our 787 flights, but we are sure they will understand our concerns in view of recent events with other 787 operators around the world. Our staff are assisting all affected passengers to be accommodated on other flights to get them to their final destination with minimum inconvenience.”

 

Qatar Airways currently has five Boeing 787-8 aircraft in its fleet.

 

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: “In tune with the FAA directive and the move by Europe to also ground 787s, Qatar Airways is taking a prudent approach that allows the airplane fleet to be rigorously checked in order for passenger flights to resume.

 

“That said, we have to remember this voluntary action is precautionary outside of the USA so Qatar Airways decision to follow suit will not have been easy but in light of the recent incidents, it is the right thing to do - safety is paramount and the airline is taking the right measures to ensure that that is not compromised.”

 

Ahmad added: “It’s unfortunate that the 787 fleet worldwide is seeing such glitches after an arguably successful first year in service - but these checks will ensure that the 787 remains a robust and reliable airplane.”

 

In a statement today Boeing chairman, president and CEO Jim McNerney said: “The safety of passengers and crew members who fly aboard Boeing airplanes is our highest priority.

 

“Boeing is committed to supporting the FAA and finding answers as quickly as possible. The company is working around the clock with its customers and the various regulatory and investigative authorities. We will make available the entire resources of The Boeing Company to assist.

 

“We are confident the 787 is safe and we stand behind its overall integrity. We will be taking every necessary step in the coming days to assure our customers and the traveling public of the 787’s safety and to return the airplanes to service.

 

“Boeing deeply regrets the impact that recent events have had on the operating schedules of our customers and the inconvenience to them and their passengers.”