Qatar Airways operates a large fleet of Boeing 777 freighters, like this one. It is upgrading for the future with a big order for the next-generation 777X cargo jet. [Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves]
Key Takeaways:
Qatar Airways has become the launch customer for Boeing's 777X freighter, placing a firm order for 34 aircraft, with options for 16 more, and converting 20 existing 777X passenger orders to the freighter version.
Valued at over $20 billion, this represents Boeing's largest freighter commitment by value and includes an additional agreement for up to 50 737-10 passenger jets.
The deal provides significant validation for Boeing's 777X program and was heavily influenced by Qatar Airways' ongoing dispute with European manufacturer Airbus over A350 paint deterioration issues.
The 777X freighter, anticipated for first delivery in 2027, promises 25 percent improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions, and operating costs compared to the 747-400 freighter, capitalizing on strong demand in the air cargo market.
Editor’s Note: This article originally appeared on FreightWaves.com.
Qatar Airways has signed to be the launch customer for Boeing’s next-generation 777X freighter still in development, agreeing Monday to buy 34 of the widebody aircraft in a deal that seemed inevitable given recent bad blood between the airline and European manufacturer Airbus.
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Eric is the Air Cargo Market Editor at FreightWaves. An award-winning business journalist with extensive experience covering the logistics sector, Eric spent nearly two years as the Washington, D.C., correspondent for Automotive News, where he focused on regulatory and policy issues surrounding autonomous vehicles, mobility, fuel economy and safety. He has won two regional Gold Medals from the American Society of Business Publication Editors for government coverage and news analysis, and was voted best for feature writing and commentary in the Trade/Newsletter category by the D.C. Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. As associate editor at American Shipper Magazine for more than a decade, he wrote about trade, freight transportation and supply chains. Eric is based in Portland, Oregon. He can be reached for comments and tips at ekulisch@freightwaves.com
