Boeing Launches New 777-8 Freighter, Receives Record-Breaking Order From Qatar Airways

Boeing launched a new, widebody 777-8 Freighter aircraft this week and announced international cargo carrier Qatar Airways as the 777-8F’s launch customer. At a White House signing ceremony attended by numerous Boeing, Qatar Airways, and governmental dignitaries, Qatar Airways placed an order for up to 50 777-8Fs in a deal worth over $20 billion USD, Boeing’s largest-ever freighter order by value. Qatar Airways’ cargo fleet consists entirely of Boeing 747 and 777 freighter aircraft.

The companies also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a firm order for 25 Boeing commercial 737-10 aircraft from the aerospace company’s 737 MAX family. Qatar Airways, based at the Hamad International Airport in Doha, has rights to purchase another 25 737-10s. That deal is worth roughly $7 billion USD based on current list prices.

25% Better

The 777-8F will be part of Boeing’s 777X family and will include advanced technologies from that family and from existing Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft. The freighter will feature a new carbon-fibre composite wing and new, more fuel-efficient engines. Boeing says the new cargo jet will be the freighter industry’s largest, longest-range, and most capable twin-engine aircraft, with a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and 25% reductions in emissions and operating costs. The 777-8F will have an 8,167-kilometre (4,410-nautical mile) range and a 118-tonne (130-U.S.-ton) maximum structural payload. It will provide 17% more cargo volume than the 777F and will accommodate 31 main deck pallets.

"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," says Stan Deal, CEO and president of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are proud that Boeing provides over 90% of the world's dedicated freighter capacity. With global supply chains under pressure and high demand for e-commerce, the performance and capabilities of the fleet is more important than ever."

An Economic Boost

Under the terms of the new order, Qatar Airways will convert 20 of 60 orders it had placed for 777X family aircraft to 777-8Fs. It will also order two current 777Fs. Its first 777-8F delivery is expected in 2027. Boeing will build the 777-8F at its factory in Everett, Washington, and says the Qatar Airways order will support hundreds of U.S. suppliers, sustain more than 35,000 U.S. jobs during the contract’s delivery period, and will add an estimated $2.6 billion annually to the U.S. economy during the same period.

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Source: Boeing