Boeing and Qatar Airways announced 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.”
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.
Macquarie AirFinance places first Boeing order: Boeing and Macquarie AirFinance announced that the lessor has made its first direct order for Boeing airplanes. The purchase of 20 737-8s doubles Macquarie AirFinance’s existing 737-8 order book, which it acquired from ALAFCO Aviation Lease and Finance Co. in 2023. By expanding its 737 MAX portfolio, Macquarie AirFinance will scale-up its fleet of fuel-efficient, new generation airplanes to meet the growing demand of its airline customers. “The continued expansion and renewal of our fleet underscores our confidence in the strong future growth prospects of global commercial air transport. This order increases our existing OEM order book to 86 firm aircraft and will enable our airline partners to access the most modern, fuel-efficient aircraft,” said Eamonn Bane, CEO of Macquarie AirFinance. Known for its versatility, the 737-8 can carry up to 210 passengers based on configuration with a range of up to 3,500 nautical miles (6,480 km). The 737 MAX family is well-suited to support airline fleet modernisation plans by reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace.
Lufthansa Technik, Boeing sign cabin modification deal: Boeing and Lufthansa Technik announced an agreement to designate Lufthansa Technik as the first Boeing-licensed Service Center (BLSC) for cabin modifications on 787 Dreamliner airplanes, bringing additional choice and capacity to the market. As a BLSC, Lufthansa Technik is licensed to perform interior modifications on the 787 as an external MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) service provider. “We are pleased to bring additional interior modification capacity to 787 owners and operators by designating Lufthansa Technik as a Boeing Licensed Service Center. Through this novel collaboration, customers will benefit from Lufthansa Technik’s decades of MRO experience, and familiarity with the 787 platform,” said Doug Backhus, vice president of Boeing Cabins, Modifications and Maintenance. Operators, lessors and other companies with 787 cabin modification needs will now have the choice to work with Lufthansa Technik. As a BLSC for 787 cabin modifications, Lufthansa Technik can design a new cabin interior, provide the associated engineering and perform the integration in accordance with the customer’s wishes. Along with the license granted by Boeing, Lufthansa Technik will also cover certification of the modification projects. The cabin modifications on the popular long-haul widebody will be performed at one of the MRO provider’s global network facilities. The two parties will continue to make the necessary preparations to enable Lufthansa Technik to start its first 787 cabin modification project in 2025. The BLSC will complement Boeing’s existing 787 Interior Modifications offerings with additional capacity for the market. This agreement on 787 cabin modifications follows the completion of the first base maintenance event on a 787 Dreamliner this April at Lufthansa Technik Malta.
National Airlines buying four 777 freighters: Boeing and National Airlines announced the global carrier has committed to place its first order for four 777 Freighters. Currently the longest-range twin-engine freighter with unrivalled payload capacity, the 777 Freighter will help maximise the airline’s commercial cargo service and boost market share across its global operations. “We are elated by this remarkable order of four Boeing 777 Freighters. This demonstrates our commitment to offering efficient, resourceful, and modern air freight services to support our global customers’ increasing transportation demands,” said Christopher Alf, chairman of National Airlines. “The order affirms our fleet growth plan as we enter into the next chapter of National. We sincerely appreciate the support by Boeing and all its associated teams in this journey ahead.” Once finalised, National Airlines’ first direct purchase of Boeing airplanes will be posted to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries website. “We appreciate National Airlines for its trust in Boeing and the 777 Freighter to grow the carrier’s global fleet and deliver greater value for its customers,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “With its cargo capacity, range and reliability, operators continue to rely on the 777 freighter to build their future fleets, making it the best-selling freighter of all time.” The 777 freighters will join National Airline’s expanding fleet of nine 747-400 freighters. Designed to integrate seamlessly with existing 747 operations, the 777 freighter allows carriers to easily transfer cargo between the two airplanes to streamline ground logistics and leverage additional cost savings through fleet commonality.
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