Qatar Airways and Boeing have signed a letter of intent to purchase five 777 Freighters valued at $1.7 billion.
The 777 Freighter has a range of 4,900 nautical miles with a payload of 102 tonnes, which Boeing says translates into cost savings as fewer stops mean lower landing fees, less congestion, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.
The letter of intent was signed during a ceremony attended by Qatari minister of finance and Qatar Airways chairman, His Excellency Ali Sharif Al Emadi; Qatar Airways chief executive, His Excellency Akbar Al Baker and Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive officer, Kevin McAllister.
Al Baker describes the addition of five 777 Freighters as a “significant moment”, saying: “As the world’s third-largest cargo operator, Qatar Airways continues to invest in fleet expansion.
“This transaction will be a reinforcement of our confidence in Boeing to continue to deliver an outstanding product that meets our exacting standards. We expect no less than perfection, and we are confident that Boeing will continue to deliver that.”
McAllister adds: “We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Qatar Airways and we value their business and the positive impact on Boeing, our employees, suppliers and communities.
“We are honoured that one of the world’s leading international cargo carriers recognises the unmatched capabilities of the 777 Freighter to continue to lift their growing freight operations.”
