Qatar Airways has confirmed it will add Airbus A321neo aircraft configured exclusively in economy class, with a capacity of 236 seats, to its fleet. According to AeroTime, three aircraft of this type will be progressively inducted into service between October 2025 and January 2026.
The decision has raised eyebrows in aviation circles, as the Qatari carrier is known for its strong focus on the premium market segment. However, the airline explained that the configuration is tailored to the rapidly growing demand for economy class on specific routes.
These aircraft are planned to operate from Doha to Madinah in Saudi Arabia, the Pakistani cities of Multan, Sialkot, and Peshawar, then to Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates, as well as to Tbilisi, Georgia.
Qatar Airways has confirmed that these three A321neo units are not part of the existing order for 50 aircraft that the airline had previously placed with Airbus. The carrier originally ordered the A320neo family in 2011, later upgrading it in 2017 to the larger A321neo. However, the entire deal became the subject of a legal dispute with Airbus due to issues with the A350, leading the manufacturer to unilaterally cancel the order in 2021. Following a settlement in February 2023, the order was reactivated, while Qatar Airways simultaneously abandoned its planned purchase of Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft in May 2025.
According to AeroTime, deliveries of the A321neo with a business class cabin from that reinstated order are expected to begin in 2026.
