Qatar Airways is to spend $11.7 billion expanding its Boeing fleet with 30 787-9s, 10 777-300ERs, and has also signed a letter of intent for up to 60 737 MAX 8s, valued at $6.9 billion.
The order will increase its backlog of widebody aircraft from 65 to 105 including 60 777Xs. Qatar Airways was the first Middle Eastern airline to operate 787s and will be the launch customer of the 777X, while the 737 MAX 8s will be the first single-aisle Boeings to join the fleet in more than 15 years.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive officer (CEO), Akbar Al Baker says: “Qatar Airways, already one of the fastest growing airlines in the history of aviation, today announces a significant and historic aircraft order that will power our future growth for the years and the decades ahead.”
“Boeing has proven to be a valuable partner, and today’s announcement is testament to our appreciation of the quality of their product and their dedication to providing world class customer service.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO and president, Ray Conner adds: “We are so very proud that a discerning and market-leading customer like Qatar Airways not only continues to endorse our current products, but also has confidence in Boeing’s new technology that will soon be evident on the 777X and 737 MAX.”
“Our partnership with Qatar Airways has grown and strengthened tremendously over the years and I look forward to the time when its fleet will feature an increasing number of both our single and twin-aisle airplanes.”
