Rather than wait for an aircraft that may not enter service until 2026—or later—Qatar Airways has opted for certainty. Deliveries of Airbus A321neos are set to resume, and the Doha-based carrier is now on track to operate a fully Airbus narrowbody fleet from its hub at Hamad International Airport.
A Deal Unraveled
The Boeing order, originally placed in 2022 at the Farnborough Airshow, was born during a rare public rift between Qatar Airways and Airbus. At the time, Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer sought an alternative to the grounded Airbus A321neo and A350s, which had been pulled from service amid disputes over surface degradation and safety concerns.
That rift resulted in Airbus canceling major orders, prompting Qatar Airways to pivot toward Boeing’s 737 MAX 10. The deal included 25 firm orders and options for 25 more—a move that symbolized both diversification and leverage amid tense negotiations.
But the landscape has shifted.
As of May 2025, CEO Al Meer confirmed in an interview with Bloomberg that Qatar Airways had walked away from the deal entirely. “We are receiving 50 A321neos starting next year,” he noted, affirming Airbus as the exclusive supplier for the carrier’s future narrowbody needs.
Certification Delays Prompt Industry-Wide Scrutiny
The Boeing 737 MAX 10, the largest variant of the MAX series, remains mired in certification delays. While initially expected to be operational by mid-decade, regulatory hurdles have pushed its entry into service to 2026 at the earliest—though some major U.S. carriers, including United Airlines and American Airlines, are now bracing for delays until 2027 or even 2028.
Qatar Airways’ cancellation adds weight to broader concerns about Boeing’s ability to deliver on time. The move also reflects a growing sentiment among carriers to prioritize reliability and delivery certainty over diversification.
Airbus Narrowbody Dominance Restored
The thawing of the Airbus-Qatar Airways dispute in early 2023 reset the narrative. After months of courtroom clashes and grounded jets, both parties announced a mutual settlement. Airbus reinstated Qatar Airways’ order for 50 A321neos—40 standard and 10 A321LRs—cementing the aircraft’s role in the airline’s future.
As a result, Qatar Airways will begin phasing out its small fleet of 737 MAX 8s (currently just three in operation) and transition to an all-Airbus narrowbody platform beginning in 2026.
The updated narrowbody fleet plan is as follows:
- Current Narrowbody:
- 27 Airbus A320s
- 3 Boeing 737 MAX 8s (to be retired or leased out)
- Incoming Orders:
- 40 Airbus A321neos
- 10 Airbus A321LRs
Boeing’s Strength in Widebody Market Remains Unshaken
Despite the collapse of the 737 MAX 10 deal, Boeing’s relationship with Qatar Airways remains robust—particularly on the widebody front. In June 2025, the airline announced its largest-ever aircraft purchase: a sweeping order for 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9s, with options for 50 more. The deal, worth up to $96 billion at list prices, underscores Boeing’s continued dominance in the long-haul sector.
CEO Al Meer made clear that the airline’s dual-supplier strategy was deliberate. “It’s not about competition between manufacturers,” he stated. “It’s about operational efficiency. Our narrowbody fleet will continue to be Airbus. Our widebody fleet will be a combination.”
Qatar Airways’ current widebody fleet includes:
- Airbus A350-1000: 24 in service, 18 on order
- Boeing 787: 41 in service, 130 on order
- Boeing 777X: 0 in service, 90 on order
As the largest operator of the Airbus A350-1000, Qatar Airways continues to build one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the industry.
Looking Ahead
While the 737 MAX 10 cancellation marks a setback for Boeing’s narrowbody ambitions, Qatar Airways’ evolving fleet strategy demonstrates a clear preference for consistency, dependability, and long-term performance. Industry observers suggest the airline may further deepen its ties with Airbus, possibly adding more A350s or considering the A330-900neo to replace older A330s.
Meanwhile, Boeing faces mounting pressure to resolve certification delays and reassure customers of the MAX 10’s viability. With United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Alaska Airlines expressing similar concerns, Qatar Airways’ exit could be a harbinger of wider shifts across the aviation landscape.
For now, Qatar Airways has charted a path of clarity—leaning on Airbus for narrowbody dominance, while giving Boeing the long-haul spotlight.