Qatar Airways and Boeing finalised a significant order for five Boeing 777 freighters during a ceremony at the White House on July 9. A signing ceremony was held between Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Akbar Al Baker and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Kevin McAllister in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar and U.S. President Donald Trump. The order, worth $1.8 billion at current list prices was previously announced with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding at the Paris Air Show in June.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, H.E. Akbar Al Baker, said, “We are very pleased to extend our long-term relationship with Boeing Commercial Airplanes. This order will enable Qatar Airways Cargo to grow to become the number one global cargo carrier this year in both fleet and network and is a demonstration of our ongoing commitment to U.S. manufacturing.”
The Boeing 777 freighter has the longest range of any twin-engined freighter and is based around the Boeing 777-200 Long Range aircraft operating on the airline’s ultra-long-haul routes. With a payload capacity of 102 metric tonnes, the Boeing 777F is capable of flying 9,070 km. The aircraft’s range capability translates into significant savings for cargo operators, fewer stops and associated landing fees, less congestion at transfer hubs, lower handling costs and shorter delivery times. The aircraft’s economics makes it an attractive addition to the airline’s fleet and will operate on long-haul routes to the Americas, Europe, the Far East, Asia and some destinations in Africa.
