Qatar Airways to launch first gas powered aircraft

Dubai, Oct 31 (UNI) Qatar Airways is in talks with Qatar gas and energy major Shell to finalise a revolutionary plan to fly its aircraft on gas, becoming the first aviation company to do so.

The state-owned airlines would announce the details of the plan at the Dubai air show next month.

''Qatar Gas, Shell and Qatar Airways are currently talking to each other to finalise a plan for flying aircraft on natural gas,'' Qatar Airways Commercial General Manager Ali al-Rais was quoted by Emirates Today as saying.

He added that Qatar gas and Shell have also started negotiations with Rolls-Royce and General Electric to develop and engine for the gas-powered aircraft.

''Ours would be the first carrier in the world to use this techonology. Engineers and scientists are working tirelessly to make this happen and it will happen,'' Mr Rais added.

The paper also quoted a Rolls-Royce official confirming that discussions with several airlines regarding alternative fuels were on.

Talking about the expansion plans of his airlines, Mr Rais said Qatar Airways has place orders for 150 planes, including five double-decker superjumbo Airbus A380s.

The Gulf country has proven gas reserves currently put at 910 trillion cubic feet, only behind estimated reserves of Russia and Iran.

UNI