Qatar Airways has made aviation history with a landmark $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 Boeing widebody jets-the largest aircraft order ever for both the airline and Boeing. Announced during President Trump’s visit to Doha alongside His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the deal cements Qatar Airways’ position as a global aviation powerhouse.

The historic order includes 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, setting a new record as the largest Dreamliner purchase in Boeing’s history, and 30 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for 50 more 787 and 777X jets. This strategic fleet expansion underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to operating the cleanest, youngest, and most efficient fleet in the skies, meeting surging global travel demand while enhancing passenger comfort and sustainability.

In tandem, Qatar Airways signed a sweeping agreement with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines-including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, plus options and spares-to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and 787 fleets. This marks the largest widebody engine order in GE Aerospace history, further reinforcing the airline’s focus on efficiency and reliability.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer hailed the agreements as “a critical next step” in the airline’s growth journey, stating, “We’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Stephanie Pope echoed this sentiment, calling the order “record-breaking” and expressing pride in the ongoing partnership with Qatar Airways.

With more than 150 Boeing jets already in operation, this mega-order will make Qatar Airways the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East and solidify its status as a leader in global aviation innovation and service. The airline, which has been named World’s Best Airline by Skytrax a record eight times, continues to invest in its future, ensuring passengers experience the ultimate in comfort, efficiency, and connectivity.

As Qatar Airways charts a course for the future, these historic deals with Boeing and GE Aerospace promise to keep the airline soaring above the competition-connecting the world, one record-breaking flight at a time.

Air Canada has launched its Premium Economy Class on select flights between India and Canada, providing travelers with an enhanced flying experience that balances comfort and affordability. Available on Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A330 aircraft, this new service targets passengers seeking extra space and upgraded amenities without the premium price tag of Business Class.

The Premium Economy cabin boasts wider seats with greater recline and generous legroom, ensuring a more relaxing journey. Passengers enjoy two additional checked bags, priority check-in, boarding, and baggage handling, along with improved in-flight services. Entertainment options include Bollywood films, and cabin crew fluent in local languages offer personalized assistance throughout the flight. Each seat is equipped with USB charging ports and in-seat power outlets to keep devices charged.

Meal service is also elevated, featuring fresh salads, hot entrées, desserts, and light snacks or meals before landing, tailored to the route. Arun Pandeya, Air Canada’s General Manager for India, highlights that this offering is perfect for travelers who want more comfort and attention without the full Business Class price.

Operating direct flights from India to Toronto and Montréal, Air Canada’s Premium Economy aims to blend convenience, comfort, and value, making international travel smoother and more enjoyable for passengers on both sides of the globe.

Dubai’s Emirates Airline has unveiled a dazzling array of enhancements to its renowned First Class experience, promising passengers an unrivaled journey in the skies and on the ground. From unlimited caviar served in bespoke Robert Welch bowls to revolutionary zero-gravity seating on select aircraft, Emirates continues to redefine luxury travel.

Culinary Indulgence: Endless Caviar and Artisan Cheese

First Class travelers can now savor unlimited caviar presented in elegant new bowls, alongside an upgraded cheeseboard served on rustic slate with artisan cheeses, chutneys, and a wooden honey dipper. Gloved cabin crew ensure impeccable service, while a keepsake menu showcases the airline’s exquisite beverage and culinary offerings.

Ground Luxury: Exclusive Check-In and Lounges

At Dubai International’s Terminal 3, the First Class check-in area is being transformed into a personalized haven, soon to feature a relaxing new lounge. Globally, Emirates offers First Class passengers complimentary access to 43 luxury lounges and seamless chauffeur-driven transfers, delivering a door-to-door premium experience.

The Ultimate “Hotel Room in the Sky”

Emirates’ private suites redefine airborne comfort with electronic privacy doors, personal temperature controls, and mood lighting. The Airbus A380’s 14 flat-bed suites boast automatic doors and spacious work and dining areas, while the Boeing B777’s Game Changer Suites feature zero-gravity seats, video call room service, virtual windows, and bespoke binoculars for window seats.

Plush Comfort and Exclusive Amenities

Passengers enjoy soft mattresses, cotton-lined duvets, and Hydra Active moisturizing pajamas infused with Vitamin C and olive oil microcapsules, complemented by matching slippers and eye masks. Lavish amenity kits from Byredo and Bulgari include skincare, fragrances, and sustainable grooming essentials housed in elegant leather bags.

On-Demand Fine Dining and Gourmet Snacks

First Class guests can dine whenever they wish with à la carte multi-course meals crafted from seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, including gourmet vegan options. A Movie Snacks Menu offers treats like Wagyu sliders and lobster rolls, alongside luxury chocolates and sweets available to take home.

Entertainment and Wellness in the Clouds

A 32-inch Full HD touchscreen pairs with Emirates’ award-winning ICE system and exclusive Bowers & Wilkins noise-cancelling headphones for immersive entertainment. On the A380, First Class passengers enjoy access to two lavish Shower Spas featuring luxury organic products and an exclusive onboard lounge for socializing above the clouds.

With these extraordinary upgrades, Emirates continues to set the gold standard in international First Class travel, offering an unmatched blend of indulgence, privacy, and innovation for discerning travelers.

Qatar Airways has made aviation history with a landmark $96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 Boeing widebody jets-the largest aircraft order ever for both the airline and Boeing. Announced during President Trump’s visit to Doha alongside His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, the deal cements Qatar Airways’ position as a global aviation powerhouse.

The historic order includes 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, setting a new record as the largest Dreamliner purchase in Boeing’s history, and 30 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for 50 more 787 and 777X jets. This strategic fleet expansion underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to operating the cleanest, youngest, and most efficient fleet in the skies, meeting surging global travel demand while enhancing passenger comfort and sustainability.

In tandem, Qatar Airways signed a sweeping agreement with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines-including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, plus options and spares-to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and 787 fleets. This marks the largest widebody engine order in GE Aerospace history, further reinforcing the airline’s focus on efficiency and reliability.

Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer hailed the agreements as “a critical next step” in the airline’s growth journey, stating, “We’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences.” Boeing Commercial Airplanes President Stephanie Pope echoed this sentiment, calling the order “record-breaking” and expressing pride in the ongoing partnership with Qatar Airways.

With more than 150 Boeing jets already in operation, this mega-order will make Qatar Airways the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East and solidify its status as a leader in global aviation innovation and service. The airline, which has been named World’s Best Airline by Skytrax a record eight times, continues to invest in its future, ensuring passengers experience the ultimate in comfort, efficiency, and connectivity.

As Qatar Airways charts a course for the future, these historic deals with Boeing and GE Aerospace promise to keep the airline soaring above the competition-connecting the world, one record-breaking flight at a time.

On May 12, Qatar Airways flight QR-289, an Airbus A330-300 registered A7-AEO, encountered a hydraulic fluid leak after landing at Václav Havel Airport Prague, causing the aircraft to stop on runway 12 and remain there for about 30 minutes before being towed off. The green hydraulic fluid spill led to the closure of the runway for approximately one hour while cleanup crews worked, resulting in the cancellation of the return flight QR-290 and widespread disruptions to other incoming flights.

The incident forced several flights to divert: Hainan Airlines flight HU7937 from Beijing rerouted to Berlin before eventually landing in Prague, while SunExpress and Finnair flights from Antalya and Helsinki respectively were diverted to Dresden Airport in Germany, experiencing delays of up to nearly two hours. This cascade of diversions underscored the significant operational impact of the hydraulic leak.

In addition to the Prague event, Qatar Airways faced another technical issue on the same day when flight QR-243 from Doha to Istanbul declared an emergency due to an engine problem during descent, safely landing after holding for 45 minutes. A separate April 28 incident involved a brake system failure on flight QR-528 from Doha to Chennai, which also landed safely after emergency procedures were enacted.

These incidents highlight recent technical challenges faced by Qatar Airways, emphasizing the critical importance of prompt response and safety protocols in aviation operations.

The government has announced a second attempt to close Runway 28/10 at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport starting June 15 for a crucial upgrade of its landing instruments, aiming to avoid the severe disruptions witnessed during April’s failed closure. The shutdown will last approximately 90 days, during which airlines have been advised to proactively plan flight cancellations to prevent the operational chaos that unfolded earlier this year.

In April, the closure intended to upgrade the runway’s Instrument Landing System (ILS) to CAT III B standards-which would improve landing capabilities in Delhi’s frequent fog-was aborted after just a few weeks due to overwhelming flight delays and scheduling turmoil. The airport, handling around 1,400 flights daily, struggled to operate efficiently on its remaining three runways, compounded by uncoordinated airline schedules and adverse weather.

Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu convened a high-level meeting with all stakeholders, including airline representatives, the Airports Authority of India, and Delhi International Airport Ltd, emphasizing the need for meticulous advance planning. Airlines have been instructed to prepare for cancellations and propose measures to minimize passenger inconvenience during the runway’s three-month closure.

The timing of the closure has been strategically chosen to coincide with a relatively lean travel period following the vacation season, aiming to reduce the impact on passengers. This proactive approach reflects lessons learned from the April disruption, where the absence of a regulatory mechanism to enforce flight reductions exacerbated delays and confusion.

Officials remain committed to completing the runway upgrade, which will extend the runway lighting from 650 to 900 meters and enhance landing safety in low-visibility conditions, ultimately improving Delhi’s airport capacity and operational resilience.

Passengers and airlines are urged to stay informed and cooperate fully to ensure a smoother transition during this essential infrastructure enhancement phase.