Qatar Airways Orders 20 More Boeing 777X Jets

Qatar Airways has reaffirmed its commitment to the upcoming 777X by purchasing more long-haul jets.

The deal signed at the 2024 Farnborough Airshow includes 20 more of the 777-9 variant, bringing the order book for this series to almost 100.

While being formally announced today, Boeing notes that this deal had already been finalised and was previously listed on the Orders and Deliveries website as unidentified.

Qatar Airways’ commitment to the 777X family is strong, whether through the passenger variant or the recently launched 777-8 freighter. Data indicates Qatar has 60 777-9s on order and 34 777-8Fs for future flying at the Qatar Cargo division.

Boeing has been keen to promote its 777X in the Middle East. The planemaker’s efforts in the region haven’t gone unnoticed, as several airlines have purchased the type, and this is where Boeing has enjoyed the most success.

Qatar Airways joins neighbouring Emirates and Etihad Airways as airlines that have also committed to the 777X, which is still on the path to certification after lengthy delays.

Equally, Middle Eastern customers such as Emirates have expressed frustrations about the delays in acquiring the new long-haul jet’s services.

The 777X was slated to enter service in 2020. However, a pandemic, GE9X issues, internal problems at Boeing, and many other factors have led to a revised 2025 EIS for the aircraft.

While the 777X series has been surrounded by adversity and negativity, Boeing was able to begin certification test flights with the FAA aboard. This is a crucial step in the right direction for the eventual formal certification of the type.

Some airlines have equally been outspoken regarding the impact of the 777X delays. Despite their outspoken nature, this hasn’t seemed to slow down commitments to the programme in the last 18 months.

After a period during the pandemic when airlines weren’t purchasing the 777X, the type has enjoyed a new period of interest, including this order from Qatar Airways, a top-up purchase from Emirates, and a Korean Air deal, among others.

Part of Qatar Airways’ strategy is to operate a young fleet that maximises the efficiency and capabilities of next-gen types. As a result, committing further to the 777X to do these things while also meeting growth has seemed like an absolute no-brainer.