State-owned Qatar Airways will only launch a low-cost unit if its market share is eroded by existing budget carriers, Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker said on Tuesday.

He said the airline plans to continue expanding despite the slowdown in global travel and will be taking delivery of 15 new aircraft per year.

“We have no problems in funding. Our credit rating is strong,” he said.

Qatar Airways will add eight new destinations this year, he said.

He declined to give any figures when asked about speculation of a significant new order by the airline at the Paris Airshow later this month.

Maktoob