Qatar Airways orders five B777 freighters worth $1.7 billion

April 11, 2018: To lift their growing freight operations, Doha-based airline Qatar Airways has signed up with air cargo market leader Boeing for five 777 Freighters. The transaction is valued at $1.7 billion.

The letter of intent was signed during a ceremony attended by Qatari Minister of Finance and Ali Sharif Al Emadi, chairman, Qatar Airways; Akbar Al Baker, Group chief executive, Qatar Airways and Kevin McAllister, president & CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“The addition of five 777 Freighters is a significant moment for our cargo division,” said Al Baker. “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.”

At present, the airline operates a fleet of nearly 100 Boeing widebody airplanes and has about 100 more Boeing airplanes on order.

“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,” said McAllister.

The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles (9,070 kilometres) with a payload of 112 tonnes. The airplane's long range translates into significant savings as fewer stops mean lower landing fees, less congestion, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times.