Qatar’s historic signing

A breakthrough future entry by Boeing into Qatar Airways’ single-aisle fleet was achieved last week after the two companies signed a Letter of Intent for up to 60 B737 MAX-8 aircraft.

The deal is part of a new order by the airline which also includes 30 B787-9 Dreamliners and 10 B777-300ERs – one of the largest fleet announcements in its history. It builds on Qatar Airways' current fleet of 84 Boeing aircraft, a combination of 787s and 777s, all delivered over the past nine years. 

The new package increases the airline’s firm-order backlog of Boeing widebodies from 65 to 105, including 60 B777Xs. It was hailed by group chief executive Akbar Al Baker as “a significant and historic aircraft order that will power our future growth for the years and the decades ahead". 

Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing was renewed in 2006, since when the airline has become the first in the Middle East to operate the 787 and a launch customer for the 777X. The 737 MAX 8 will be the first Boeing single-aisle aircraft model to join the carrier’s fleet in more than 15 years.

www.boeing.co.uk   www.qatarairways.com

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