Qatar Airways has ordered 30 firm and 30 optioned Boeing 787-8 aircraft and confirmed its 27-strong 777 order.
The deal ” totalling $13.5bn for both firm aircraft - follows hot on the heels of Emirates” mammoth order this week at the Dubai Air Show and sees Qatar joining the growing band of Middle East carriers expanding at a rapid rate.
”With deliveries from mid-2010 through to 2014, the 787 will form the core of Qatar Airways” regional and medium-haul fleet from the next decade,” said Qatar CEO, Akbar Al Baker.
”Its optimum size and fuel efficiency will underpin the airline”s profitability and competitiveness, as it builds its hub at Doha”s new international airport.”
”Later this month we will take delivery of the first of 27 firm 777s, which signals our first move to induct Boeing aircraft into our fleet.”
Qatar has been evaluating the 787 for some three years and says it contributed to significant input into the programme definition and specification. The 787 order is for the 787-8 type with options to convert to the 787-9.
All of the Boeing aircraft will feature General Electric engines, namely the GEnx and GE90 powerplants.
The airline is embarking on major expansion with confirmed orders for 14 77-300ER, six 777-200LR and seven 777-200F aircraft.