Qatar Airways put into service its new Airbus A340-600 nearly three years ago. With two lounges on board, the airline trumpeted it as the latest five-star amenity for first and business class long-haul travellers. Now it wants the space back.
The airline plans to add more economy seats in its existing four-engine A340-600s as the volatile economics of the airline industry pushes carriers to boost revenues. And in a setback to Airbus, the airline has also cancelled plans to buy more of the aircraft because of concerns about its fuel efficiency.
Both moves underscore the challenges aircraft makers, and in particular Airbus, face in selling four-engine versions for long-haul routes as airlines shift towards twin-engine alternatives, on which Boeing has taken an early lead.
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