On the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow, Qatar Airways is back in the headlines after announcing orders for 20 more Boeing 777-9s. Yesterday the airline unveiled its updated “Qsuite Next Gen” which is expected to debut on the carrier’s 777-9s in 2025. Qatar Airways is expected to be one of the launch customers for the 777X and today its order book for the type is up to almost 100.
With the new orders revealed, the airline currently has 60 777-9 passenger jets and 34 777-8 Freighters on order. In announcing the order, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said:
“Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft. 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.”
Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO
It’s good to see the airline is as humble as its always been even after Akbar Al Baker, the airline group’s former CEO resigned.
Qatar Airways’ Boeing 777-9 Orders are the Latest in a Great Week for Boeing
Today’s announcement is the fifth order for Boeing at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow. Yesterday, National Airlines, Luxair, Japan Airlines, and Korean Air placed orders and options totalling almost 80 aircraft.
It’s been quite a successful week for Boeing with close to 100 aircraft spread across its 737 MAX, 777 and 787 types. The airline has had a string of bad press over the last few years and the launch of its flagship 777X is now at least five years behind schedule. These orders likely came with some significant discounts but the order is a clear indicator that Qatar Airways plans to utilize this as their flagship aircraft moving forward.
During Qatar’s Qsuite Next Gen announcement yesterday it stated that the airline expects the seats to debut in 2025. With the delays we’ve seen on the 777X program, Boeing was supposed to begin deliveries back in 2020, this timeline could slip into 2026. Boeing is still going through the certification process for the 777X.
In addition to the new Qsuite Next Gen, the airline is also expected to unveil new First Class seats on the 777-9. Currently, there are no plans to add either new product to the carrier’s remaining A350s on order.
Summary
Qatar Airways and Boeing announced that the Doha based carrier has placed orders for 20 additional Boeing 777-9s. The 777-9 is expected to be Qatar’s new flagship aircraft and will feature the airline’s recently announced “Qsuite Next Gen” business class as well as a new First Class product. Boeing states that deliveries are expected to begin in 2025 though I wouldn’t be surprised to see that timeline slip a bit.
(Images courtesy The Boeing Company and Qatar Airways)
