Qatar Airways announces $2.16 billion Boeing order

The order, a sign of the airline’s continued expansion and contribution to the US economy, adds to the airline’s current fleet of nearly 100 Boeing widebody airplanes and its more than 100 additional Boeing aircraft on order.

The announcement was made at a delivery ceremony in Everett, Washington, where the airline also received the first of its 747-8 Freighters. The ceremony was attended by Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, Boeing Vice Chairman, Ray Conner, and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Chief Executive Officer, Kevin McAllister.

Akbar Al Baker, said: “Qatar Airways operates one of the youngest and fastest-growing fleets in the sky, and Boeing unceasingly proves to be a valuable partner to us in providing the quality aircraft that make us the world’s third largest international cargo carrier. We are very appreciative of our enduring partnership with Boeing, as it is key to our future growth, and we look forward to continuing to work with this important US partner.

McAllister added: “We are proud of our strong, enduring and growing partnership with Qatar Airways and we truly appreciate the value its business has brought to Boeing, its employees, suppliers and our communities. As one of the world’s largest international cargo carriers, it is heartening that Qatar Airways has selected the 747-8 Freighter to meet its growing cargo operations and to see the important role the 777-300ER continues to play in its long-haul fleet.”