WWW.WINGSMAGAZINE.COM March/April 2015 | WINGS 5

PHOTO CREDIT: MATT NICHOLLS @Wings_Magazine

F

or those of you who might think

the aviation industry lacks the

glitz of a Hollywood gala, then

you obviously haven’t experi-

enced the electricity brought

on by the introduction of a new aircraft.

Such an experience becomes even more

dramatic when that event takes place in an

exotic city in the Middle East. Those lucky

enough to get an invite to the early January

introduction of the new Airbus 350 XWB

with launch customer Qatar Airways in the

capital city of Doha, experienced just such

a spectacle.

More than 150 aviation journalists from

around the world were given a first-hand

peak at the aircraft, as well as city tours,

a spectacular evening dinner cruise on a

traditional dhow and a variety of other ac-

tivities – including a vivid, 40-minute 3D

presentation on Qatar’s 2022 stint as host

of the World Cup. Ah, the beautiful game

in all its glory. And it didn’t end there. On

the night of the unveiling, the A350 XWB

debuted to a brilliant light show, followed

by music, dinner and more aircrafts tours.

It was an impressive display and my first

reaction to the wide-eyed journalists sur-

veying the new toy was immediately “kids

in a candy store” – yes, it was a “selfie” fest

to be sure. The event also offered a glimpse

into the mysteries of Doha’s unique culture

and a more acute understanding of the

Qatar Airlines brand, its development as a

growing influencer on the world stage and

in many ways, the future of aviation itself.

The A350 XWB is indeed a game changer

in commercial aviation. Made of 53 per

cent composite material and some 70 per

cent advanced materials combining tita-

nium and aluminum alloys, the aircraft is

light, durable and developed with ease of

systems to maximize efficiency.

With its sophisticated, light-weight

design and new wing concept, the aircraft

will burn 25 per cent less fuel than aircraft

of previous generations, making it solid

on the pocket book for operators. Ease of

maintenance will also be achieved with the

A350 XWB, and the direct benefits from

reduced fuel consumption will help lower

carbon emissions per passenger.

But as Mike Bausor, Airbus A350 XWB

marketing director noted during the intro-

ductory press, economics is not everything.

The aircraft is equally about technological

enhancement and enhancing the commer-

cial passenger experience.

“You could easily sacrifice comfort in an

aircraft to achieve better economics,” he

said. “But with the A350, this is not the

case. XWB stands for extra wide body, and

with such a concept, we can economically

integrate the first class and business class

seats more efficiently with economy class

with a wider cabin.”

Developing efficient, dynamic new

An impressive first impression

Putting on the glitz in Doha for the A350 XWB

systems to take commercial

passenger travel to a new level

is precisely why concept Qatar

Airways is gaining a strong

reputation on the global stage.

Such leadership is critical in

the Middle East where com-

petition is fierce and demand is on the rise.

The region’s big three international carri-

ers – Qatar Airways, Etihad and Emirates

• are rapidly developing as trendsetters on
  the global stage.
  Enigmatic Qatar Airlines chief executive
  officer, Akbar Al Baker has a true passion
  for aviation.
  Dynamic, aggressive and confident, Al
  Baker’s passion for aviation transcends not
  only Qatar Airlines, but globally. He is ac-
  tively involved in a number of industry as-
  sociations and is committed to enhancing
  international safety standards.
  His goal is simple and one that makes
  sense – work to enhance the passenger ex-
  perience and positively develop global avi-
  ation. Oh, yes, there is the bling factor, the
  glitz of a successful aircraft introduction,
  for example. But in the end, it’s also about
  value, transformation and leadership.
  “We would not be buying airplanes if
  we thought competition will impede our
  operation,” he said. “In any business, it is a
  question of survival of the fittest. How ef-
  ficient we are, how we deliver on value to
  our customers, how we look after them – in
  this we are true leaders.” | W

LEADING

EDGE

| By Matt Nicholls

5

TOP DATA BURSTS... in this issue

1. WestJet calculates that every one cent drop in the value
   of the dollar equals $15 million in increased operating costs.
   (pg. 14) 2. Montreal-Trudeau offers 130 direct destinations,
   including over 75 international destinations. (pg. 15) 3.
   $290 million: The amount airports paid in rent to the federal
   government last year. (pg. 18) 4. $3 billion: The order back-
   log for MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates (MDA). (pg. 23) 5.
   $58 million: The estimated cost of the new Falcon 8X. (pg. 35)

You could easily sacrifice comfort

in an aircraft to achieve better

economics. But with the A350,

this is not the case.”

Your feedback is always welcome. Please

contact me at [email protected].