With the rift between Airbus and Qatar Airways widening by the week, speculation is running high that Qatar Airways is set to officially place an order for the Boeing 777X Freighter. With the airline’s occasional role as a global or regional launch customer for new aircraft, this order makes even more sense. Let’s look at how a 777X Freighter order would shape Qatar Airways and its fleet.
A highly anticipated order
As noted in a previous Simple Flying article, it seems almost certain that Qatar Airways’ next freighter order will be placed with Boeing. Last week, Reuters reported that freighter talks between the Middle Eastern carrier and the US planemaker are now at an advanced stage.
Indeed, it’s expected that the airline could time this order to coincide with a visit to Washington by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. This would make sense as the country’s previous Emir has been present at signing ceremonies held between Qatar Airways and aircraft manufacturers. Sources indicate that such an order would be for as many as 50 freighters, with a list value of $14 billion.
Although Qatar Airways’ operates a very diverse fleet of aircraft, the 777X would fit well into the airline’s operations. That’s because it already operates some 26 777F aircraft. Taking a ‘triple delivery’ at the start of last year, the average age of this fleet is an impressively young five years.
Going (very) big on cargo
A significant order for Boeing’s next-generation freighters would see Qatar Airways significantly expand its role as a cargo operator in the years ahead. At this time, Qatar Airways Cargo operates a fleet of 34 dedicated freight aircraft. As of December 2021, this consisted of two 747-8Fs, 26 777Fs, and six 777-300ER “mini-freighters.”
The cargo subsidiary also arranges the transportation of freight in the belly holds of Qatar Airways’ commercial passenger aircraft. This includes the airline’s 787s, A350s, and even A380s.
With an already sizeable fleet of dedicated freighters, it is very clear that Qatar Airways would look to grow its cargo operations even more in the future. While the airline’s dedicated freighters already serve all six inhabited continents, the acquisition of 777X Freighters would allow Qatar Airways Cargo to serve even more destinations out of its hub at Doha’s Hamad International Airport. This will also allow the airline to expand its abilities to transport live animals, fresh produce, and even temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
The dominant cargo operator in the region?
A sizeable 777X Freighter order by Qatar Airways would also allow it to compete even more with nearby rival Emirates and its SkyCargo division.
In terms of dedicated freighters, the Dubai-based operator has just 10 777F aircraft at the moment, although two new 777Fs are expected to join the fleet in April and June 2022. November 2021 also saw Emirates announce plans to convert four of its 777-300ER passenger aircraft into freighters between 2023 and 2024. Depending on the timeline, this doesn’t seem to be a match for Qatar Airways’ freighter contingent.
Thus, a massive 777XF deal would cement Qatar Airways’ role as the dominant cargo operator in the region.
What do you think of Qatar Airways’ likely order for 777X Freighters? Let us know by leaving a comment.
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