US-based global major aerospace group Boeing marked the advent of the new year with the delivery of three 777 Freighter (777F) aircraft to Qatar Airways Cargo. One of the aircraft concerned was the 200th 777F to be delivered. With this delivery, Qatar’s 777F fleet now numbers 24 aircraft. The airline also operates two Boeing 747-8F cargo aircraft.

“With the arrival of these new freighters, we are injecting more capacity in the market, which is very much required during the pandemic,” highlighted Qatar Airways group CE Akbar Al Baker. “The added capacity will also enable us to support the logistics around the Covid-19 vaccination, which is projected to be one of the greatest logistical challenges for the industry. With our investments in innovation and fleet, we are able to fulfil our customers’ logistical requirements and facilitate the continuity of global trade.”

Operating from its hub in Doha, the airline’s fleet of dedicated freighter aircraft serves more than 60 air cargo destinations around the world. Qatar Airways also flies freight in the belly-holds of its passenger aircraft to many destinations worldwide.

“During these challenging times, Qatar Airways Cargo has been transporting humanitarian relief and medical goods to those in need, and we are proud that their growing fleet of 777 Freighters is supporting such a commendable effort,” emphasised Boeing senior VP: commercial sales and marketing Ihssane Mounir. “We deeply appreciate our long-standing partnership with Qatar Airways and their confidence in the 777 Freighters as the backbone of their expansive global air cargo operations.”

The 777F has a range of 9 200 km and can carry a payload of 102 010 kg. This long range means that few, if any, refuelling stops are required by the aircraft. This, in turn, reduces operating costs by minimising landing fees and cargo handling costs, while also improving delivery times. Fewer stops also reduce delays imposed by airport congestion.

Boeing is the market leader regarding freighter aircraft. The company has supplied more than 90% of the dedicated air cargo capacity worldwide, in the form of both new-build freighter aircraft and airliners converted into freighter aircraft. The 777F is now the company’s best-selling freighter, with 242 ordered since it was launched in 2005. The record year for 777F orders so far was 2018, when 45 were ordered.

The deliveries to Qatar followed other good news for Boeing’s Commercial Airplane business – the announcement, late last month, that US carrier Alaska Airlines had ordered 23 more 737-9 versions of the 737 MAX single-aisle airliner. The airline had originally ordered 32 737 MAXs in October 2012 and had then announced last November that it was leasing another 13. This new order will take Alaska’s planned fleet of the type to 68 aircraft. In addition, it holds options on another 52 737 MAXs, including 15 options taken out alongside the December order.

The US civil aviation regulator, the Federal Aviation Administration, lifted a 20-month-long grounding of the 737 MAX in November. The grounding order had followed two fatal crashes over a five month period in 2018 and 2019, which killed a total of 346 people. Boeing had to make changes to the aircraft’s design, software and training procedures before the grounding was lifted.

“We believe in this airplane, we believe in our strong partnership with Boeing, and we believe in the future of Alaska Airlines and the incredible opportunities ahead as we climb our way out of this [Covid-19] pandemic,” affirmed Alaska Air Group CEO Brad Tilden. “We could not ask for a better partner than Boeing and we are delighted to be standing side by side with them as we work together to get our economy back on its feet.”

“With Alaska’s industry-leading reputation for safety, sustainability and customer service, we are honoured they have chosen to invest in their future with a significant purchase of additional Boeing 737 airplanes,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Stan Deal. “We are grateful for Alaska’s trust and partnership. Our team is focused on delivering their first 737 MAX jets and helping ensure a safe and seamless entry into service.”