Qatar Airways Expands Fleet with More Boeing 777-9 Aircraft

Qatar Airways recently ordered 20 more Boeing 777-9 aircraft, expanding its 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes. This announcement was made on the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024.

The Boeing 777-9 is set to be the largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet in the world. Qatar Airways has successfully launched the 777X program and now has 60 777-9 passenger airplanes on order. The airline is also the inaugural launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter and has 34 of these next-generation cargo jets on order.

Setting New Standards

The 777X program, based on the popular Boeing 777 family and incorporating advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, is designed to set new efficiency standards, environmental performance, and passenger experience standards.

The 777-9, the largest in the family, will help operators open new growth opportunities. It can carry 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and has a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km).

In July 2024, Boeing began certification flight testing for the 777-9. Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliner and 25 737 MAX aircraft on order, in addition to the 777X family.

A Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed pride in expanding the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order by 20, bringing the total to 94.

“As the World’s Best Airline, we are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry,” Al-Meer said.

Confidence in Boeing

Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed gratitude for Qatar Airways’ confidence in Boeing. “We appreciate their confidence that Boeing’s market-leading widebody family will provide outstanding fuel efficiency and a superior passenger experience for its global operations,” Pope said.

Boeing’s 2024 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts that twin-aisle jets such as its 777X and 787 Dreamliner will make up 44% of the region’s fleet across Middle Eastern operators over the next 20 years. This indicates a promising future for Boeing and Qatar Airways as they continue leading the way in aviation innovation.