Boeing expects to deliver the first 777-8 Freighter to Qatar Airways in 2027, according to company’s vice-president (Sales and Marketing–Middle East) Omar Arekat.
In a $20bn deal (at list prices) Qatar Airways placed an order for the new 777-8 Freighter, the most capable and fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter, with a confirmed order of 34 airplanes with options for an additional 16 freighters, Arekat said in an interview with Gulf Times.
He said Qatar Airways also ordered two 777 freighters (that is, the current in-production model) to meet the near-term cargo demand.
“The 777-8 freighter is the newest member of the 777X family, and it has been designed to provide improved efficiency and environmental performance to our operators,” Arekat said.
The new widebody airplane offers innovative technology and engineering design improvements including carbon fibre wings and new fuel-efficient engines, with an outstanding range of 4,410 nautical miles (8,167km) and a maximum payload of 118 tonnes.
The cargo capacity of this airplane is almost the same as the 747-400 freighter, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 30% and operating costs by 25%, which will provide operators with a more sustainable and profitable business, the Boeing executive noted.
Furthermore, Qatar Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to purchase up to 50 737-10 airplanes, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, Arekat noted.
The order comprises a confirmed purchase of 25 737-10s, with purchase rights for an additional 25 airplanes.
The total value of the agreement for 50 737-10 airplanes is approximately $7bn at list prices.
“These are very significant deals for Boeing, building upon our nearly 25-year partnership with Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways' selection of the 777-8 freighter is testament to our commitment to building airplanes with large capacity, high reliability and outstanding fuel efficiency,” Arekat said.
Earlier commenting of the multi-billion dollar freighter deal with Boeing, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker had said, “Boeing has a long history of building the world’s best air cargo aircraft, and Qatar Airways is proud to be the first global operator of the new Boeing 777-8 freighter. It will enable us to enhance the services we provide to our customers, and meet the goals set in promoting sustainability within our various operations in the future. 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.”
Asked whether Boeing feels the need to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Qatar or the region, Arekat said, “Boeing Global Services already provides digital solutions to Qatar Airways, including Maintenance Performance Toolbox, Airplane Health Management and flight deck solutions powered by Boeing AnalytX. These solutions provide real-time access to maintenance, flight and aircraft performance information to optimise efficiency and lower fleet operating costs.”
In a $20bn deal (at list prices) Qatar Airways placed an order for the new 777-8 Freighter, the most capable and fuel-efficient twin-engine freighter, with a confirmed order of 34 airplanes with options for an additional 16 freighters, Arekat said in an interview with Gulf Times.
He said Qatar Airways also ordered two 777 freighters (that is, the current in-production model) to meet the near-term cargo demand.
“The 777-8 freighter is the newest member of the 777X family, and it has been designed to provide improved efficiency and environmental performance to our operators,” Arekat said.
The new widebody airplane offers innovative technology and engineering design improvements including carbon fibre wings and new fuel-efficient engines, with an outstanding range of 4,410 nautical miles (8,167km) and a maximum payload of 118 tonnes.
The cargo capacity of this airplane is almost the same as the 747-400 freighter, while reducing fuel use and emissions by 30% and operating costs by 25%, which will provide operators with a more sustainable and profitable business, the Boeing executive noted.
Furthermore, Qatar Airways signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to purchase up to 50 737-10 airplanes, the largest model in the 737 MAX family, Arekat noted.
The order comprises a confirmed purchase of 25 737-10s, with purchase rights for an additional 25 airplanes.
The total value of the agreement for 50 737-10 airplanes is approximately $7bn at list prices.
“These are very significant deals for Boeing, building upon our nearly 25-year partnership with Qatar Airways. Qatar Airways' selection of the 777-8 freighter is testament to our commitment to building airplanes with large capacity, high reliability and outstanding fuel efficiency,” Arekat said.
Earlier commenting of the multi-billion dollar freighter deal with Boeing, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive HE Akbar al-Baker had said, “Boeing has a long history of building the world’s best air cargo aircraft, and Qatar Airways is proud to be the first global operator of the new Boeing 777-8 freighter. It will enable us to enhance the services we provide to our customers, and meet the goals set in promoting sustainability within our various operations in the future. 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.”
Asked whether Boeing feels the need to establish a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility in Qatar or the region, Arekat said, “Boeing Global Services already provides digital solutions to Qatar Airways, including Maintenance Performance Toolbox, Airplane Health Management and flight deck solutions powered by Boeing AnalytX. These solutions provide real-time access to maintenance, flight and aircraft performance information to optimise efficiency and lower fleet operating costs.”