Aerospace and defense giant Boeing (BA) and Qatar Airways announced agreements for nine Boeing 777-300ER or Extended Range airplanes at the 2013 Paris Air Show. The deal, with the total value of $2.8 billion at current list prices, include a firm order for two airplanes previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing Commercial Airplanes Orders and Deliveries website, plus a commitment for an additional seven airplanes.
Currently, the Doha-based airline operates 35 Boeing passenger and cargo 777s of various types, comprising 22 777-300ERs, nine 777-200LR or Longer Range airplanes and four 777 Freighters. The two firm airplanes give Qatar Airways a backlog of nine Boeing 777s. When the additional seven become firm, the backlog would rise to 16.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive, Akbar Al Baker, said: "With its reliability, economics and range capability, the 777 will continue to play a key role in enabling Qatar Airways to operate more direct non-stop flights from our hub in Doha to destinations in many markets including Australasia and the United States."
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