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 been named the launch customer for Boeing’s next-generation 777X freighter, committing to 34 aircraft with options for 16 more in a deal valued over $20 billion, marking Boeing's largest freighter commitment by value.
This significant order, which also includes up to 50 737-10 passenger jets, was heavily influenced by Qatar Airways' ongoing dispute and "bad blood" with Airbus over A350 paint degradation issues.
The 777X freighter is anticipated to offer a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions, and operating costs compared to the 747-400 freighter, making it a pivotal aircraft for expanding and renewing global cargo fleets.
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
