Boeing and Qatar Airways finalised an order for five Boeing 777Fs during a ceremony at the White House yesterday (9 July).
The signing ceremony was witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump and His Highness, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar and included His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways Group and Kevin McAllister, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The order, worth $1.8 billion at current list prices was previously announced as a commitment at the Paris Air Show in June.
“It is an honour to be signing this agreement today with Qatar Airways, who has been our long-haul partner for more than 20 years,” said McAllister.
“As one of the world’s leading air cargo carriers, we are delighted that Qatar Airways continues to expand its freighter fleet with the 777 Freighter and we deeply appreciate their business and positive impact on Boeing, our employees, suppliers and communities.”
Qatar Airways has rapidly grown its air cargo operations to serve more than 60 global destinations, becoming one of the top international air freight operators in the world.
The latest freighter deal builds on the airline’s 777F order book as the aircraft has become the backbone of Qatar Airways freighter fleet. It currently operates 23 freighters, including 16 777Fs.
The 777F is the world’s largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. It can fly 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kilometers) with a payload of 224,900 lbs (102,010 kg).
Customers from around the world have ordered more than 200 777Fs since the program began in 2005, including a record 45 units in 2018.
