EVERETT, Wash., Jan. 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Qatar Airways Cargo
took delivery of three Boeing [NYSE:BA] 777 Freighters as the
airline continues to build its cargo division with the world's
largest and most capable twin-engine freighter. The milestone also
marks the 200th 777 Freighter to be delivered.
The triple delivery comes as air freight is playing a pivotal
role amid the COVID-19 pandemic – including transporting newly
approved vaccines – and is projected to increase more than 4% over
the next two decades.
With the arrival of the trio of 777 Freighters, Qatar Airways
Cargo now operates 24 of this airplane model along with two 747-8
Freighters. As one of the leading air cargo carriers in the world,
Qatar's dedicated freighter fleet
serves more than 60 freighter destinations worldwide via its
world-class Doha hub and also
delivers freight on the belly-hold deck of passenger aircraft to an
extensive network.
"With the arrival of these new freighters, we are injecting more
capacity in the market which is very much required during the
pandemic. 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," said
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, His Excellency Mr.
Akbar Al Baker. "With our
investments in innovation and fleet, we are able to fulfill our
customers' logistical requirements and facilitate the continuity of
global trade."
The 777 Freighter can fly 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kms) and
carry a payload of 224,900 pounds (102,010 kg). The airplane's long
range translates into significant savings for operators like Qatar
Airways Cargo as fewer stops reduce landing fees, congestion, cargo
handling costs and delivery times.
"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," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president,
Commercial Sales and Marketing, The Boeing Company. "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 777 Freighter is now Boeing's top selling freighter.
Customers from around the world have ordered 242 777 Freighters
since the program began in 2005, including a record 45 units in
2018. Boeing, the market leader in air cargo aircraft, provides
more than 90% of the dedicated freighter capacity around the world,
including new production and converted freighters.
Contact:
Saffana Michael
Boeing Communications
+971 50 459 0651
saffana.michael2@boeing.com
Jessica Kowal
Boeing Communications
+1 206 660 6849 (Seattle)
jessica.m.kowal@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing