Qatar Airways Orders 20 Boeing 777X Aircraft at Farnborough Airshow
FARNBOROUGH, United Kingdom: In a major announcement at the Farnborough International Airshow, Qatar Airways placed an order for 20 Boeing 777X long-haul aircraft, valued at $8.8 billion at list prices. The airline’s chief executive, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, revealed the expansion of the existing order to a total of 94 Boeing 777X aircraft, emphasizing Qatar Airways’ commitment to providing top-notch products and services to its passengers.
The blockbuster deal marked the second day of the Farnborough Airshow, known for the fierce competition between Airbus and Boeing for lucrative orders. Despite challenges in the supply chain and delivery delays, more aircraft orders poured in at the event.
Industry Challenges and New Orders
Amidst limited deal-making opportunities, Airbus secured deals with Japan Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, while Boeing received an order from Macquarie Airfinance. The aviation industry is facing delays in deliveries, impacting airlines’ ability to capitalize on the post-pandemic travel surge.
Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss expressed concerns over the prolonged impact of COVID on the supply chain, urging manufacturers to expedite processes. Boeing’s production was affected, leading to reduced output as the company faced regulatory scrutiny following safety concerns.
Future Plans and Upgrades
Looking ahead, Qatar Airways hinted at a forthcoming order of wide-body jets and announced plans to extend the service life of its Airbus A380 jets. With airlines opting to operate existing aircraft longer due to delivery delays, the industry is navigating through unprecedented challenges.
British Airways CEO Sean Doyle emphasized the importance of monitoring new plane deliveries while ensuring operational timelines are met. The aviation sector continues to adapt to evolving circumstances in the post-pandemic landscape.
(With AFP and Reuters)