Qatar Airways,a leading air cargo carrier, has entered into an agreement to purchase five additional 777
Freighters valued at $1.8 billion at list prices from Boeing.
The package of agreements also includes a commitment for both companies to explore other
freighter solutions, such as new production 767
Freighters or converted cargo jets such as the 737-800 Boeing Converted
Freighter.
"Both the 777-300ER and the 747-8
freighter offer a highly-efficient solution on Cathay Pacific's ultra-long-haul routes, combining superb operating economics with a significant reduction in emissions.
"Our global network is growing and we are investing in our
freighter fleet to meet capacity requirements and future growth.
The 777
freighter is the world's longest-range, twin-engine
freighter featuring the lowest trip cost of any large
freighter, industry experts say.
"We are excited about this latest addition to our dedicated Crystal Cargo
freighter fleet and we expect the 777
freighter to deliver exceptional value to us and to our customers," said Kevin Knight, Etihad chief planning and strategy officer, who also leads the Etihad Crystal Cargo division.
Airbus's long-term market forecast issued just two months ago called for demand for more than 400 very large
freighters by 2025.
"We are very pleased that ANA has chosen the 767-300 Boeing Converted
Freighter and will be our first customer for this important new addition to our
freighter family," said Alan Mulally, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
* Boeing projects new production
freighter deliveries valued at $280 billion.
The express carrier is a major operator of the Boeing 757
Freighter and the largest operator of the 767
Freighter and 777
Freighter.