Qatar Airways to showcase A350 plane at 'India Aviation Show' in Hyderabad

The twin-engine wide-body Airbus A350 aircraft is all set to make its debut in India with the Gulf-carrier Qatar Airways announcing its plan to bring the plane for 'India Aviation Show' to be held in Hyderabad later this month.

Qatar Airways was the launch customer of A350 aircraft. The biannual aviation and aerospace mega event, which serves as a common platform to all stakeholders in the industry, including airlines, airport operators, aircraft manufacturers and regulators, is scheduled from March 16.

Organised by the Civil Aviation Ministry and industry body -- Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the week-long event is expected to be inaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee. Airbus A350 is the first aircraft, whose fuselage and wing structures, are made of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymer.

"We are proud to showcase our A350 for the first time in the Indian market, giving prospective clients and visitors a glimpse of what to expect when they fly on board," Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said.

Put into service in January last year, A350 currently operates to four destinations across three continents. "India, as one of the world's largest aviation markets, continues to command respect. The focus this year on growth of manufacturing and maintenance, repair and overhaul businesses in India is commendable, and will benefit the aviation industry," Al Baker said.