An aircraft order worth almost $5 billion was unveiled by Qatar Airways at the opening of the Paris Air Show yesterday.
The Gulf carrier made a form order for ten long range Boeing 777-8Xs and four 777 freighters.
The 777X will include new engines, an all-new composite wing and will make use of technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. The 777X family includes the 777-8X and the 777-9X.
Design of the 777X is underway and production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020. With this order, the 777X has accumulated 320 orders and commitments from six customers worldwide.
Qatar Airways GEO, Akbar Al Baker, said: “Acquiring technologically-advanced airplanes such as the 777X is integral to our expansion strategy.
“With the addition of these 777-8X to the 50 777-9X already on order, we are confident of continuing the tremendous legacy of the 777.”
The 777X builds on the existing 777 widebody jet, as well as offering more market coverage and revenue capability than the competition.
The 777-8X is claimed to be 5% more efficient than its competitor at all ranges while providing for new network opportunities. The 777-9X will be 12% more fuel efficient than the competition.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive, Ray Conner, said: “The order for an additional 10 777Xs is a further endorsement by Qatar Airways of the airplane which enjoyed the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history.”