Boeing 777-8 freighter will be world’s largest twin-engine cargo jet with the most payload capacity and a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating cost
Boeing has launched its expected B777-8 Freighter programme with an order for up to 50 production line aircraft from Qatar Airways.
Qatar Airways will be the B777-8 Freighter launch customer with a firm order for 34 jets and options for 16 more, a total purchase that would be worth more than $20bn at current list prices and the largest freighter commitment in Boeing history by value.
First delivery of the new freighter is anticipated in 2027
Featuring advanced technology from the new B777X family, the B777-8F will be the largest, longest-range and most capable twin-engine freighter in the industry. With payload capacity nearly identical to the B747-400F and a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency, emissions and operating costs, the B777-8F will enable a more sustainable and profitable business for operators.
Qatar Airways Group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, in a White House signing ceremony, said: “Boeing has a long history of building market-leading freighter aircraft and Qatar Airways is honored to have the opportunity to be the launch customer for the 777-8 Freighter, an aircraft which will not only allow us to further enhance our product offering for our customers, but also help us meet our objectives to deliver a sustainable future for our business.”
“Today marks a great day in the ever-building and strong relationship between Qatar Airways and Boeing. We certainly push Boeing hard to deliver upon our expectations, and the team at Boeing consistently strives to meet and exceed our expectations, giving the opportunity for us to be here today to launch the most significant new freighter aircraft for a generation.”
Said Director of the White House National Economic Council Brian Deese: “We are delighted to launch Boeing’s next great cargo airplane – the 777-8 Freighter – with Qatar Airways, one of the world’s largest cargo carriers and our partner since the airline began operations 25 years ago.
“Our team is ready to create an airplane that will serve them well for many decades. Qatar Airways’ selection of the efficient 777-8 Freighter is a testament to our commitment to provide freighters with market-leading capacity, reliability and efficiency.”
Deal added: “We are proud that Boeing provides over 90% of the world’s dedicated freighter capacity. With global supply chains under pressure and high demand for e-commerce, the performance and capabilities of the fleet is more important than ever.”
Boeing is designing the 777-8 Freighter, the newest member of the 777X family, to maximize efficiency and environmental performance.
The widebody family features engineering design improvements and innovative technologies, including a new carbon-fiber composite wing and new fuel-efficient engines.
With a range of 4,410 nautical miles (8,167 km), the 777-8 Freighter has a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes, allowing customers to make fewer stops and reduce landing fees on long-haul routes.
Boeing will build the B777-8 F in its Everett factory in Washington. The company has invested more than $1bn into the Everett site to support B777X production and sustain thousands of local jobs for decades to come.
As part of today’s agreement, Qatar Airways will convert 20 of its 60 B777X family orders to the B777-8F. Qatar Airways is also ordering two current B777 Freighters – Boeing’s best-selling freighter of all time – to capitalize on the buoyant air cargo market.
Customers from around the world have ordered more than B300 777Fs since the program began in 2005.
Boeing and Qatar Airways also signed a Memorandum of Understanding for a firm order of 25 737-10 aircraft and purchase rights for 25 additional airplanes.
