Farnborough: Qatar Airways makes largest single aircraft order in its history

The aircraft is due for delivery starting from 2020. At list prices, the order is valued at around $40 billion.

 

In order to support the continued growth of its Cargo business, Qatar Airways also signed a Letter of Intent to purchase an additional four Boeing 777 Freighters (above), with an option on another four. The combined value at list prices is $US2.4 billion.

The Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, His Excellency Mr. Akbar Al Baker, commented: “It has been a year of many new beginnings for Qatar Airways, with the opening of our new home at Hamad International Airport and now these further aircraft orders for our fleet. The Boeing 777 has been a backbone of our operation and our relationship with Boeing will continue to grow and develop as we go on investing in the equipment that we value and trust. This will enable us to continue to deliver a signature 5-star service to our passengers.”

Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner added: “Qatar Airways took delivery of its first 777 a few short years ago and we are honoured to see this partnership continue to grow and strengthen. Today signifies a new chapter in our relationship with Qatar Airways’ endorsement of the 777X as well as their ongoing confidence in the value of the 777 Freighter. These orders validate the market leading role that the 777and now the 777X will continue to play in the Middle East’s passenger and cargo market.”

Analyst Saj Ahmad commented: "Qatar Airways becomes yet another key 777X customer, firming up its deal that was announced at the 2013 Dubai Air Show and it's no surprise that they have also opted to take on purchase rights for an additional 50 777-9Xs as this airplane has the potential to expand capabilities and slash fuel and trip costs in ways that no airplane before it could or can ever do
 
"In tune with Qatar Airways' aggressive and relentless international growth, the 777X family not only gives the airline a platform that they are familiar with, but they benefit from the new cabin product and features low lower cabin pressure as well as superior payload-range capability that ensures that neither passengers or freight are sacrificed for the sake of one another while also allowing the carrier to open up even more long range routes as the proliferation of air travel out of Doha continues to grow. While adding 777 Freighters too, I'd not be at all surprised to see Qatar Airways at the forefront of being involved with the as of yet unannounced 777-8X Freighter which will likely debut in the next decade."