Qatar Airways Announces Order for 20 More Boeing 777-9 Passenger Jets

Rhea-AI Summary

Qatar Airways has expanded its Boeing 777X order book by placing an order for 20 additional 777-9 passenger jets, bringing its total 777X orders to nearly 100 airplanes. The airline now has 60 777-9 passenger airplanes and 34 777-8 Freighters on order. The 777-9, part of the 777X program, is designed to be the world's largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, with a capacity for 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and a range of 7,295 nautical miles. Boeing has begun certification flight testing for the 777-9, which promises enhanced passenger comfort with a spacious cabin, better humidity, and increased natural light.

Positive

• Qatar Airways expands 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes
• Order includes 60 777-9 passenger airplanes and 34 777-8 Freighters
• 777-9 offers capacity for 426 passengers and 7,295 nautical mile range
• Certification flight testing for 777-9 has begun
• Boeing's 2024 Commercial Market Outlook forecasts strong demand for widebody jets in the Middle East

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Analyst

Strategic Expansion: Qatar Airways' order for an additional 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft signals a significant strategic move to bolster its fleet with fuel-efficient, long-haul jets. This move aligns with the airline's growth strategy and reflects confidence in market recovery and future demand for international travel. Given the 777-9's advanced technology and efficiency, this order can reduce operational costs while increasing capacity for lucrative long-haul routes. Investors should consider that such large orders often come with significant discounts, potentially enhancing the airline's cost-efficiency. For Boeing, this order adds to its backlog, providing revenue visibility and possibly leading to positive sentiment around its stock.

Market Research Analyst

Market Positioning: This order reinforces Qatar Airways' position as a premier global airline, showcasing its commitment to operating a modern and efficient fleet. It's a clear signal of the airline's ambition to capture a larger market share in the post-pandemic travel rebound. For Boeing, securing repeat orders from a high-profile client like Qatar Airways strengthens its market position against competitors like Airbus. The 777-9's strong performance in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger capacity could attract more orders from other airlines looking to modernize their fleets, thereby boosting Boeing's market share in the widebody segment.

Tech Expert

Technological Advancements: The Boeing 777-9 incorporates advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, including improved aerodynamics, composite materials and state-of-the-art engines. These features make it one of the most efficient aircraft in its class, offering airlines significant fuel savings and reduced emissions. This technological edge is important as airlines face increasing pressure to meet environmental regulations and reduce their carbon footprint. The continued investment in next-gen aircraft by leading airlines like Qatar Airways underscores the industry shift towards more sustainable operations, potentially influencing regulatory standards and industry practices globally.

FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom, July 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways announced today the Middle Eastern airline placed an order for 20 more 777-9 airplanes, which will be the world's largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet. The order, which expands the carrier's 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes, was finalized this year and listed as unidentified on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website.

The award-winning airline helped launch the 777X program and now has on order 60 777-9 passenger airplanes. Qatar Airways is also the inaugural launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter and has 34 of the next generation cargo jet on order.

"Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft," said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. "We, as the World's Best Airline, are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry."

Based on the popular Boeing 777 family and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, the 777X program is designed to set new standards of efficiency, environmental performance and passenger experience. The 777-9 is the largest in the family and will help operators open new growth opportunities with capacity for 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km). 

Earlier this month, Boeing began certification flight testing for the 777-9, which will offer a new level of passenger comfort with a spacious cabin, better humidity, a quiet environment and increased natural light.

"Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honored the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "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."

In addition to the 777X family, Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliner and 25 737 MAX aircraft on order. 

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.

About Qatar Airways

A multiple award-winning airline, Qatar Airways won the 'World's Best Airline' for the unprecedented eighth time at the 2024 World Airline Awards, managed by the international air transport rating organisation, Skytrax. Qatar Airways has been the World's Best Airline in 2011, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2024. The airline continues to be synonymous with excellence, also taking home, 'World's Best Business Class', 'World's Best Business Class Airline Lounge', and 'Best Airline in the Middle East'. As leaders in industry innovation and digital adoption, Qatar Airways was also recently voted the 'World's Best Airline Website' by World Travel Tech Awards.

Qatar Airways was the first Airline in the Middle East to be certified to the highest level of IATA's Environmental Assessment (IEnvA) programme, based on recognised environmental management system principles (such as ISO 14001). As an inaugural signatory to the Buckingham Palace Declaration in March 2016, Qatar Airways became the first airline globally to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking in aviation.

Qatar Airways currently flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, the 'World's Best Airport', as voted by Skytrax in 2021, 2022, and 2024. In 2024, Hamad International Airport also received the 'Best Airport in the Middle East' accolade for 10 consecutive years, as well as 'World's Best Airport Shopping' for the second year in a row.

About Boeing
As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing's diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company's core values of safety, quality and integrity. Join our team and find your purpose at boeing.com/careers.

Contact

Boeing Media Relations
media@boeing.com

 

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SOURCE Boeing

FAQ

How many additional Boeing 777-9 jets did Qatar Airways order in 2024?

Qatar Airways placed an order for 20 additional Boeing 777-9 passenger jets in 2024, expanding their 777X order book to nearly 100 airplanes.

What is the total number of Boeing 777X aircraft ordered by Qatar Airways?

Qatar Airways has ordered a total of 94 Boeing 777X aircraft, including 60 777-9 passenger airplanes and 34 777-8 Freighters.

What is the passenger capacity and range of the Boeing 777-9 (BA)?

The Boeing 777-9 has a capacity for 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km).

When did Boeing begin certification flight testing for the 777-9?

Boeing began certification flight testing for the 777-9 in July 2024, as mentioned in the press release.