LAST YEAR FINALLY saw Doha’s Hamad international Airport open after years of delays, much to the relief of one of aviation’s most eminent personalities. However, other setbacks marred Qatar Airway’s competition with Emirates and Etihad, including a three-month stalling in the delivery of the airline’s A380 order, reportedly costing it $200 million in revenue. On a more positive note, the airline received the first A350XWB in December and finalised a $19 billion deal for 50 777- 9X wide body jets in July with purchase rights for an additional 50.