PARIS: Qatar flies in on Airbus to make mega Boeing orders

The Doha airline had already made a bit of a splash at the biennial show by featuring the entire Airbus fleet including its flagship A350.
But there was no sense of favouritism as shortly after arriving, Qatar CEO Akbar Al Baker, headed of to Airbus’ closes rival Boeing to sign the multi-billion deal for the triple sevens.
"Acquiring technologically-advanced airplanes such as the 777X is integral to our expansion strategy," Al Baker said. "With the addition of these 777-8X to the 50 777-9X already on order, we are confident of continuing the tremendous legacy of the 777.
"The order for four 777 Freighters underpins the value that this airplane has also brought to our rapidly growing cargo operations," said Al Baker. "Qatar Airways Cargo is an integral part of the Qatar Airways group and we look forward to enhancing the existing fleet with next-generation aircraft."
The 777X will include new engines, an all-new composite wing and will leverage technologies from the 787 Dreamliner.
"The order for an additional 10 777Xs is a further endorsement by Qatar Airways of the airplane which enjoyed the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner. "We are also very proud that Qatar Airways continues to expand its cargo operations with the 777 Freighter. We look forward to continuing to grow and strengthen our partnership with Qatar Airways well into the future."
 

Qatar has five Aircraft types on display in Paris - and today added more Boeing 777s to its fleet