Qatar launch customer for new Boeing freighter

The Gulf airline, which is involved in a legal wrangle with Boeing’s European competitor Airbus over A350 paint failings that saw Airbus take the decision to arbitrarily cancel Qatar’s orders for A321 aircraft, has responded by ordering 25 737-10 aircraft and purchase rights for 25 additional airplanes.

The total value of this 737-10 commitment is nearly $7 billion at current list prices.

This is the largest model in the MAX family and seats up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration and can fly up to 3,300 miles allowing the airline to operate the cost-effective medium haul flights that the A321 would do as well as the short-haul feeder flights around the region.

"Qatar Airways very much looks forward to adding the 737-10 to its fleet, with this new variant of the 737 being ideally suited to our short-haul network, allowing us an opportunity to further enhance our product offering for our customers, modernize our fleet and operate the most efficient aircraft in its category," said Qatar’s group CEO Akbar Al Baker.

But it is the 777-8 Freighter that is a great boost for Boeing, It features much of the advanced technology from the new 777X family which was demonstrated in Doha immediately after the Dubai Air Show.

Boeing says that it 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, it should enable a more sustainable and profitable business for operators.

The launch of the new freighter is good news for GE and its industrial partners -  IHI Corporation, Safran Aircraft Engines, Safran Aero Boosters and MTU.

The GE9X engines on the new freighter introduces the latest generations of heat-resistant Ceramic Matrix Composites materials, additively-manufactured parts and lean burn combustion that help improve fuel efficiency.

According to GE it is the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient turbofan. offering the lowest NOx emissions in its class, and is the quietest GE engine ever produced.  It is also compatible with any approved sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Boeing has committed to 50 of the type with an order worth $6.8 billion.

Al Baker, said: “With our status as the world’s largest air freight carrier, Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future of its cargo operations.”

As part of yesterday's agreement, Qatar Airways is converting 20 of its 60 777X family orders to the 777-8 Freighter. Qatar Airways is also ordering two current 777 Freighters.

First delivery of the new freighter is expected in 2027.

"Boeing has a long history of building market-leading freighter aircraft and Qatar Airways is honoured 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," said Al Baker.