Boeing has secured a launch customer for its new 777-8 Freighter in Qatar Airways, which has ordered up to 50 aircraft in the largest freighter commitment in the US airframer’s history by value. Boeing is to commence deliveries in 2027.
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s largest cargo carriers and placed firm orders for 34 aircraft with options for 16 more as the launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter. The airline converted 20 of its existing 60 777X family orders to the 777-8 Freighter and ordered two current 777 Freighters.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said the 777-8 Freighter was the most significant new freighter aircraft for a generation. “Boeing has a long history of building market-leading freighter aircraft and Qatar Airways is honored to have the opportunity to be the launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter, an aircraft which will not only allow us to further enhance our product offering for our customers, but also help us meet our objectives to deliver a sustainable future for our business,” he said.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stan Deal said 90% of the global dedicated freighter fleet is made up of Boeing airplanes adding that with global supply chains under pressure and high demand for e-commerce, the performance and capabilities of the fleet are more important than ever.
Qatar Airways will also acquire up to 50 737-10s, the largest variant of the 737 MAX Family. In all, the orders placed by Qatar Airways would be worth more than $ 20 billion at current list prices though airlines typically secure discounts on such large purchases.
The new 777-8 Freighter is based on the 777X family and will be the industry’s largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter. Its payload capacity is nearly identical to the 747-400 Freighter but with a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating costs. Boeing will build the 777-8 Freighter in its Everett, Wash factory.
The 777-8 Freighter will have a range of 8,167 km, new fuel-efficient GE9X engines and feature a new carbon-fibre composite wing. The 777-8 Freighter has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes.
Qatar Airways’ 737 MAX deal includes a firm order of 25 737-10 aircraft with options for 25 additional aircraft. The 737-10 can seat up to 230 passengers in a single-class configuration and fly up to 5300 km, covering 99% of single-aisle routes worldwide.