Gulf 'Year of the Fleet' as Qatar Airways receives A350/A380 and Etihad Airways its A380/787

The very end of 2014 was one of the most important parts of the year for Gulf airlines as they received new aircraft: the world's first A350 for Qatar Airways, which took its first A380 a few months prior, while Etihad received its first A380 and 787-9. These are more than just new toys: they bring improvements both operationally and customer-facing. The Gulf has been building up high-end premium products and the new aircraft cement the region's position of offering some of the best, if not the best, products.

Gulf airlines once sold on the basis of price and often convenience. As they expand their networks and build frequencies they are now moving into higher-end premium cabins, strengthening loyalty programmes, constructing new terminals and airports and have hubs with an increasing number of local activities for a stopover. Meanwhile in the old world airports are becoming more constrained, politicians remain ineffective and uninterested and legacy airlines are slow to invest while facing unpredictability from staff strikes. This brings a change to Gulf carriers that is actively welcomed by passengers; but protectionist rhetoric and use of regulatory constraints is increasing.