Boeing announced an order for six 777 freighters from an “unidentified customer” on Jan. 6. Cargo Facts, the sister publication to Air Cargo World, has speculated that the purchaser may be a lessor. (See Cargo Facts for an in-depth discussion of possible “mystery freighter” customers.)
In addition, Qatar Airways has finalized an order for four 777Fs, valued at US$1.24 billion at current list prices. Qatar also has purchased rights for four additional aircraft, which, when exercised, will bring the combined value of the order to US$2.46 billion.
The news is especially good for Boeing, considering that it needs to keep its 777 production line moving while potential customers consider delaying their purchases until the upgraded 777X model becomes available, perhaps as late as 2020. The 777F configuration – a far more fuel-efficient option for carriers wishing to replace their aging, four-engined 747 gas-guzzlers – is an efficient way for Boeing to keeps its current 777 slots filled without cutting into future 777X sales, Cargo Facts said.
Qatar Airways, the state-owned flag carrier, first announced its intent to order the four 777Fs at the 2014 Farnborough Airshow. Currently, Qatar Airways operates a fleet of thirty-seven 777-300ERs and 777-200LRs, in addition to seven 777Fs.
“We aim to make Qatar Airways one of the world’s major air cargo players,” said His Excellency Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways.
Global air freight traffic is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 4.7 percent, doubling the amount of cargo traffic over the next 20 years, according to the Boeing World Air Cargo Forecast, released in October.