#Qatar Airways Mulls Boeing 777X Deal in Boost to Flagging Sales - Bloomberg

Qatar Airways Mulls Boeing 777X Deal in Boost to Flagging Sales - Bloomberg

Qatar Airways is considering another order for Boeing Co.’s 777X jetliner, a potential boost for the hulking airplane that’s running years behind schedule and struggling to gain sales.

When asked if Qatar intends to stick with the 777X, Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker responded, “Absolutely, we will even give them a bigger order.”

The Doha-based carrier is a launch customer for both passenger and freighter versions of the new 777 family, the largest aircraft in Boeing’s product line-up and an heir to the hump-backed 747 jumbo, whose production is slated to end in a few months.

Al Baker didn’t specify which version he’s considering or any potential deal size. He affirmed his interest in the 777X to reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow in the wake of the latest delay, which pushes the jet’s commercial debut to 2025 -- about five years behind schedule.