Qatar Airways continues to depend on aircraft produced by Boeing
In a significant turn of events, Qatar Airways has placed an order for up to 210 Boeing wide-body aircraft, marking a major milestone for the US aircraft manufacturer. This order, valued at an estimated $96 billion, is the largest for Boeing wide-body aircraft in the company's history.
The order, which includes 130 787 Dreamliner aircraft and 30 777X jets, was announced during US President Donald Trump's visit to Qatar. High-ranking representatives of Boeing, including then-CEO Dennis Muilenburg, were present at the meeting.
The 787 Dreamliner, a preferred long-haul aircraft due to its high fuel efficiency and modern cabin amenities, is expected to secure multi-billion dollar revenues for Boeing and important market shares in the lucrative long-haul segment.
The 777X, a part of the order, is considered a beacon of hope for Boeing due to its innovative technologies and improved range. It is intended to replace the existing 777 fleet in the medium term. The market introduction of the 777X is planned for next year.
Dominik Lelle, a member of the online editorial team of AERO INTERNATIONAL since 2023, writes about this significant event. Lelle, who is a frequent traveler and always looks forward to discovering new horizons, shares his passion for aviation and travel, making the world of aviation tangible and exciting for readers.
This order comes during a challenging period for Boeing, marked by technical problems, delivery delays, and the 737 MAX debacle. However, the cooperation with Qatar Airways could help Boeing recover from losses incurred due to conceding large aircraft orders to Airbus.
Additionally, Boeing has cooperated on its largest long-haul aircraft orders primarily with airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines. For example, American Airlines was the launch customer for the Boeing 767-300ER, one of Boeing's best-selling long-haul models. Canadian airline WestJet also placed a major order for 67 Boeing aircraft to modernize its fleet, indicating significant cooperation in long-haul segments.
The geopolitical aspect also plays a role, as investments like the one from Qatar Airways are seen as proof of economic partnerships between the USA and the Gulf states. The signing of the contract coincides with US President Donald Trump's visit to the Gulf region.
Qatar Airways also has 50 additional options for the two programs, providing Boeing with potential future growth opportunities. This historic order is undoubtedly a boost for Boeing, offering a glimpse of a promising future in the competitive aviation industry.
