The contract is estimated at around 20 billion euros, at list price.
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Qatar Airways placed a mega-order with Boeing for the freighter version of its new 777X jumbo jet on Monday, January 31. The American manufacturer is betting a lot on this aircraft, and on the 737-MAX, in the commercial showdown between it and the European Airbus. In total, the Qatari company has undertaken to purchase 34 777-8 Freighters and has optioned 16 additional aircraft. This agreement was made official during a visit by the Emir of Qatar to the White House.
The contract is worth more than $20 billion at list price and represents the largest order the manufacturer has ever received for cargo planes. Qatar Airways also signed a letter of intent on Monday to order 25 single-aisle 737 MAX in its largest version, the 737-10, with an option for 25 more. The commitment amounts to nearly $7 billion at list price, often higher than the actual price paid by customers after negotiations.
The announcement marks a disappointment for Airbus, in open conflict with the Qatari company which accuses it of defects on its A350 passengers. Qatar Airways has grounded part of its fleet due to damage to the surface of the fuselages, and is suing Airbus for compensation. The manufacturer responded sharply by recently canceling a contract for 50 A321neo single-aisle aircraft.
For Boeing, this is a breath of fresh air. The order for 50 freighter versions of the 777X “represents two full years on the production lines”, underlined its general manager, Dave Calhoun, on the occasion of the signing ceremony at the White House. It should support more than 35,000 jobs in the United States and bring 2.6 billion dollars per year to the American economy for the duration of the contract. The first deliveries are scheduled for 2027.