Boeing has launched a new 777-8 Freighter. Qatar Airways is the freighter’s launch customer, with the airline placing a firm order for 34 jets with options for 16 more.
According to Boeing, the deal is worth more than US$20 billion at current list prices and is also the largest freighter commitment in the manufacturer’s history by value.
The new freighter features advanced technology from the new 777X family and has the performance of Boeing’s 777 Freighter and a payload capacity nearly identical to the 747-400 Freighter. Boeing says the new type is 25% more fuel efficient, enabling more sustainable and profitable operations.
Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ Group Chief Executive, said: “Boeing has a long history of building market-leading freighter aircraft and Qatar Airways is honoured 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.
“Today marks a great day in the ever-building and strong relationship between Qatar Airways and Boeing. 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.”
Stan Deal, Boeing Commercial Airplanes’ President and CEO, said: “We are delighted to launch Boeing’s next great cargo airplane – the 777-8 Freighter – with Qatar Airways, one of the world’s largest cargo carriers and our partner since the airline began operations 25 years ago.
“Our team is ready to create an airplane that will serve them well for many decades. Qatar Airways’ selection of the efficient 777-8 Freighter is a testament to our commitment to provide freighters with market-leading capacity, reliability and efficiency.”
The freighters will be built at Boeing’s Everett site in Washington and will have a range of 4,410 nautical miles (8,167 km) with a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes.
