Qatar Airways orders 20 more Boeing 777X jets

Qatar Airways has ordered 20 more Boeing 777-9 planes, expanding its order book for the US manufacturer’s 777X family of jets to 94.The national airline’s significant order of Boeing 777X aircraft, which is considered the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet, was announced on the second day of the Farnborough International Airshow.The announcement also includes a commitment for 40 additional GE9X engines and spare engines, as well as a long-term services agreement.According to Boeing, Qatar Airways helped launch the 777X programme and now has on order for 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.On the first day of Farnborough Airshow 2024, Qatar Airways showcased Qsuite Next Gen, the latest version of the ‘World’s Best Business Class’, which will be featured on the 20 additional order of the Boeing 777-9 aircraft, amongst other aircraft.The highly-anticipated Qsuite Next Gen includes updated features such as movable monitors with Bluetooth connectivity, companion suits with window views, larger lie-flat and double beds, lockable drawers, touchscreen passenger control unit and more.Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Badr Mohamed 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.”Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope said: "Qatar Airways is a leader in our industry, and we are honoured the airline added 20 more 777-9 jets to its large Boeing order book. 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.”GE Aerospace President and CEO, Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes said: "We are pleased to extend our partnership with Qatar Airways to support the airline’s commitment to an excellent customer experience and best-in-class efficiency. To Page 5The GE9X is the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient turbofan and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of the Qatar Airways family with this technology.”Qatar Airways continues to lead the industry with one of the youngest fleets and this latest addition to the Boeing 777X order ensures future passengers a seamless journey on our ever-growing network of over 170 destinations worldwide."Based on the popular Boeing 777 family and with advanced technologies from the 787 Dreamliner, the 777X programme 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 (13,510km),” Boeing said.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.In addition to the 777X family, Qatar Airways has 12 787 Dreamliner and 25 737 MAX aircraft on order, Boeing said yesterday.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.