Qatar Airways has retired its remaining Airbus A330 passenger aircraft and started a short-term secondment programme for some A330 pilots with RwandAir. The Doha-based carrier is removing the type from passenger operations after aircraft that had been parked in Doha and Teruel never returned to commercial service following the disruption earlier this year.
The A330 withdrawal leaves the aircraft outside Qatar Airways’ passenger network as the airline continues to refresh its widebody fleet with newer jets. Four A330s leased from Oman Air last year had been expected to stay in service through 2026, but they never entered commercial use. One of those aircraft has already moved to RwandAir, while two other A330s leased from Jetran and parked in Doha are due back to the lessor in October.
The pilot secondments give A330-rated crews flying opportunities while also helping RwandAir with operational needs. Qatar Airways has described fleet renewal as a normal part of its strategy, with older aircraft being phased out as more efficient deliveries arrive.