Qatar Airways walks away from Airbus, hands Boeing big-ticket order
by The Associated Press
Worth as much US$18.6 billion at list prices, order includes firm commitment for 30 Dreamliners and 10 wide-body 777s
The order includes 30 of the U.S.-based plane maker’s new 787-9 Dreamliners. PHOTO:Boeing
DOHA, Qatar—State-owned Qatar Airways announced plans late last week to purchase 40 new long-range aircraft from the Boeing Co. with a combined list price of $11.7 billion.
The quick-growing Middle East airline is ordering 30 of the American plane maker’s new 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 of its wide-body 777-300ERs. Boeing has a new version of the 777 coming and this order will help close a gap in the production line.
Along with the 40-aircraft commitment, Qatar also signed a letter of intent to buy up to 60 of Boeing 737 MAX 8s—the new version of its bestselling short- and mid-range jet; the list price is $6.9 billion.
If the airline follows through on all options, the agreements would be valued at $18.6 billion at list prices, though airlines typically get a discount, especially with larger orders.
Qatar recently walked away from its first four Airbus A320neo deliveries due to delays.
