Summary
- Qatar Airways increased the number of orders for the 777-9, adding 20 more aircraft to its backlog for the aircraft.
- In total, Qatar Airways now has 94 commitments for the 777-9.
- This was Boeing’s second 777X order at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Qatar Airways has added more 777-9 aircraft to its backlog, as Boeing has continued selling twin-aisle aircraft at the Farnborough International Airshow.
Additional 777Xs
The Doha Hamad International Airport (DOH)-based airline said that it would add 20 more 777-9 aircraft to its backlog of 40 777-9 aircraft, bringing its total commitments for the 777X to 94, which includes passenger and cargo aircraft, namely the 777-8F.
The order included commitments for an additional 40 General Electric (GE) Aerospace GE9X engines and spares, as well as a long-term servicing agreement with GE Aerospace.
Photo: Jonathan Hendry | Simple Flying
According to Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the chief executive officer (CEO) of Qatar Airways Group, Qatar Airways was proud to announce its latest order, emphasizing that the airline was the leader of the industry, operating one of the youngest fleets globally.
During the same event, Qatar Airways also unveiled the next iteration of QSuite, its business class product, marketed as ‘QSuite Next Gen.’
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Qatar Airways said that the new QSuites will once again raise the industry benchmark for business class cabins.
Confidence in Boeing
Al-Meer added that the airline aimed to ensure that its passengers continue having the best passenger experience, while Stephanie Pope, the president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA), appreciated the airline’s order for the 777-9.
“We appreciate their confidence that Boeing’s market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations.”
Boeing reiterated that in addition to the orders for the 777X, Qatar Airways has also purchased 12 787 and 25 737 MAXs.
Photo: Boeing
Meanwhile, Russel Stokes, the president and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services of GE Aerospace, added that the company was pleased to extend its partnership with Qatar Airways, supporting the airline’s commitment to its passenger experience.
According to Stokes, the GE9X was the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient engine, with the company looking forward to continuing to support Qatar Airways’ growth with the GE9X.
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Boeing insists that the first 777X delivery will happen in 2025.
Deliveries in 2026
During a media roundtable at the Farnborough International Airshow, Al-Meer detailed that the airline expected to receive its first 777X in 2026, targeting the first quarter of the year for the type’s entry-into-service (EIS).
However, that EIS timeline was different from Boeing’s, which the company has reiterated on multiple occasions to be in 2025.
Photo: BlueBarronPhoto | Shutterstock
Al-Meer stated that Boeing informed the airline about the 2026 EIS date recently, with the executive adding that Qatar Airways has been in discussions and negotiations with Boeing, and this was the timeline that the two companies have been talking about.
The airline’s CEO stated that Qatar Airways was still committed to being one of the launch customers of the 777X.
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He also expects that Boeing may improve on its projected 2025 delivery date.