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Boeing has announced the launch of its new 777-8 Freighter and expanded its 777X and freighter families of jetliners to serve the growing demand for cargo.
The American planemaker said it also received an order for up to 50 aircraft from Qatar Airways, one of the world's largest cargo carriers.
Largest freighter commitment
In a statement, Boeing said Qatar Airways will be the 777-8 Freighter launch customer with a firm order for 34 jets and options for 16 more, a total purchase that would be worth more than US$20 billion at current list prices and the largest freighter commitment in Boeing history by value.
The planemaker noted that the 777-8 Freighter will be the largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter in the industry.
It has a payload capacity nearly identical to the 747-400 Freighter and a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating costs, the 777-8 Freighter will enable a more sustainable and profitable business for operators.
The first 777-8 Freighter delivery is anticipated in 2027.
"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," said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group chief executive.
"... We certainly push Boeing hard to deliver upon our expectations, and the team at Boeing consistently strives to meet and exceed our expectations, giving the opportunity for us to be here today to launch the most significant new freighter aircraft for a generation," he added.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal also welcomed the deal.
"We are proud that Boeing provides over 90% of the world's dedicated freighter capacity. With global supply chains under pressure and high demand for e-commerce, the performance and capabilities of the fleet is more important than ever," he said.
Boeing noted that it is designing the 777-8 Freighter, the newest member of the 777X family, to maximize efficiency and environmental performance.
The widebody family features engineering design improvements and innovative technologies, including a new carbon-fiber composite wing and new fuel-efficient engines. With a range of 4,410 nautical miles (8,167 km), the 777-8 Freighter has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, allowing customers to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes.
Conversion to freighters
Boeing said as part of the agreement, Qatar Airways will convert 20 of its 60 777X family orders to the 777-8 Freighter.
Qatar Airways is also ordering two current 777 Freighters – Boeing's best-selling freighter of all time – to capitalize on the buoyant air cargo market.
Boeing and Qatar Airways also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a firm order of 25 737-10 aircraft and purchase rights for 25 additional airplanes. The total value of this 737-10 commitment is nearly US$7 billion at current list prices.
"Qatar Airways very much looks forward to adding the 737-10 to its fleet, with this new variant of the 737 being ideally suited to our short-haul network, allowing us an opportunity to further enhance our product offering for our customers, modernize our fleet and operate the most efficient aircraft in its category," Akbar Al Baker said.
Qatar Airways passenger fleet include Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner airplanes and an all-Boeing cargo fleet of 747 and 777 freighters, serving more than 140 destinations worldwide.
