Boeing, Qatar Announce Order for Two Additional 777s

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Qatar Airways today announced an order for two additional Boeing 777-200LRs. The order is valued at $501 million at average list prices. This order was previously accounted for on Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website attributed to an unidentified customer.

Qatar Airways, based in Doha, Qatar, already operates six 777-200LRs, 11 777- 300ERs and two 777 Freighters. Including today's order, Qatar Airways has 10 777s in unfilled orders.

"The 777 has become the cornerstone of our fleet," said Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways' CEO. "It is a tool for profitability but also a platform for delivering the highest customer satisfaction. Its service reliability and cabin architecture, coupled with our innovative interiors and worldclass inflight service, have made the 777 the airplane of choice for our passengers."

Qatar took delivery of its first 777 Freighter last May.

"In its first few months of operation the 777 Freighter is performing as promised by Boeing and as we expected," Al Baker said. "It's meeting operatingeconomics targets and is well on its way to helping us grow the freight transport piece of our business."

Qatar also has 30 787 Dreamliners on order, and today announced it has accelerated 787 deliveries to support its goal of serving 120 key business and leisure destinations worldwide by 2013.

"Qatar Airways is one of the true fivestar airlines in the world with an unparalleled fleet and outstanding service," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We look forward to a continued partnership as Qatar expands its position on the international stage."