Qatar Airways Signs Deal with Boeing to Buy Up to 50 777-8 Freighters

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways has signed a deal with Boeing to purchase up to 50 777-8 Freighters, as the airplane maker marked the official launch of the new air cargo plane.

Qatar Airways said in a statement that it will be the 777-8 Freighter launch customer with a firm order for 34 jets and options for 16 more, a total purchase that would be worth more than $20 billion at current list prices and the largest freighter commitment in Boeing history by value.

The deal was signed at a White House ceremony on Monday by HE Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker, and Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal, in the presence of a number of officials from the two countries.

Qatar Airways noted in the statement that the order also supports hundreds of US suppliers from across 38 states, will sustain more than 35,000 US jobs, and provide the American economy with an annual estimated economic impact of $2.6 billion during the contracts delivery period.

Featuring advanced technology from the new 777X family and the proven performance of the market-leading 777 Freighter, the 777-8 Freighter will be the largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter in the industry. With payload capacity nearly identical to the 747-400 Freighter and a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating costs, the 777-8 Freighter will enable a more sustainable and profitable business for operators.

HE Al Baker reaffirmed the airlines commitment to the 777X family with the record-breaking 777-8 Freighter deal. First delivery of the new freighter is anticipated in 2027.

"Boeing has a long history of building market-leading freighter aircraft and Qatar Airways is honored to have the opportunity to be the launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter, an aircraft which will not only allow us to further enhance our product offering for our customers, but also help us meet our objectives to deliver a sustainable future for our business," HE Al Baker said.

"Today marks a great day in the ever-building and strong relationship between Qatar Airways and Boeing. We certainly push Boeing hard to deliver upon our expectations, and the team at Boeing consistently strives to meet and exceed our expectations, giving the opportunity for us to be here today to launch the most significant new freighter aircraft for a generation," he added.

For his part, Stan Deal said: "We are delighted to launch Boeings next great cargo airplane the 777-8 Freighter with Qatar Airways, one of the worlds largest cargo carriers and our partner since the airline began operations nearly 30 years ago."

"Our team is ready to create an airplane that will serve them well for many decades. Qatar Airways selection of the efficient 777-8 Freighter is a testament to our commitment to provide freighters with market-leading capacity, reliability and efficiency," he added.

Boeing is designing the 777-8 Freighter, the newest member of the 777X family, to maximize efficiency and environmental performance.

As part of todays agreement, Qatar Airways will convert 20 of its 60 777X family orders to the 777-8 Freighter. Qatar Airways is also ordering two current 777 Freighters Boeings best-selling freighter of all time to capitalize on the buoyant air cargo market. Customers from around the world have ordered more than 300 777 Freighters since the program began in 2005.