Spotlight on Qatar Airways at Dubai Air Show 

(MENAFN - The Peninsula) Qatar Airways is making its largest ever presence at the Dubai Air Show - the Middle East's premier aerospace event - taking place at Airport Expo in Dubai during this week.

A brand new Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft flown in from the manufacturer's base in Seattle, is on static display during the five-day event, which kicked off yesterday, Qatar Airways said in a statement.

Also on show is a Bombardier Challenger 605 aircraft, one of three corporate jets belonging to Qatar Airways' recently set-up subsidiary, Qatar Executive.

Together with a dedicated two-tier chalet and exhibition stand, this year's event marks a significant presence for Qatar Airways - its largest ever in the show's history.

Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker is attending the event, which once again propels the award-winning airline into the international spotlight, showcasing its Five Star hospitality to visitors from around the world.

The Five Star-ranked carrier currently operates a modern fleet of 72 aircraft to 84 diverse business and leisure cities across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, South Asia, Far East and North America from its hub in Doha.

One of the fastest growing airlines in the world which only launched operations in 1997, Qatar Airways currently has outstanding orders for more than 220 aircraft worth over $40bn.

"The Dubai Air Show is regarded as one of the world's leading aerospace industry events of the year and Qatar Airways is using this opportunity to demonstrate that the airline is committed to continued growth, while at the same time showcasing two of its newest aircraft and world renowned hospitality," said Al Baker.

"Over the next few years, Qatar Airways will be receiving on average over one aircraft per month, which shows our confidence in the aviation industry against the economic situation that has been making headlines around the world.

"We are positive about the future of the industry and setting a positive signal for the world's aviation industry."

Qatar Airways' third Boeing 777-200LR—and 11th Boeing 777 overall—will be deployed on the Doha-Melbourne route non-stop from December 6, marking the airline's entry into the Australian market for the first time.

The service will launch with three-flights-a-week, rising to daily from January 1 following the addition of a second Boeing 777-200LR aircraft dedicated to the route.

The Boeing 777-200LR is the longest range passenger aircraft in the world, capable of connecting any two major cities non-stop.