Qatar Airways places major Boeing order

Dubai: Qatar Airways placed a $13.5 billion purchase with Boeing on Sunday in yet another blockbuster order on the first day of the Dubai Airshow.

The deal covers a firm order for 57 wide-bodied aircraft and options on a further 35, with the airline also saying it was looking into a future purchase of narrow-bodied aircraft.

The Doha carrier made a firm order for 30 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliners with options for another 30. It also confirmed an order for 27 Boeing 777s and an additional five options. A portion of both orders had already been listed on the Boeing website as an ‘unannounced' customer.

"We are proud to join the growing list of Boeing 787 customers," said Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker. "The 787 will form the core of Qatar Airways regional and medium-haul fleet from the next decade."

Fuel efficiency and economics played an important role in the decision, he said. When it enters service next year, the Dreamliner will be one of the most energy efficient airplanes in the skies.

The announcement follows an order for 80 A350 XWB aircraft Qatar placed during the Paris Airshow this summer, making it one of the largest customers of mid-sized, wide-bodied aircraft from the two major airframe manufacturers.

It also marks a strengthening of the relationship between Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing, which has until now operated a mostly Airbus fleet.

Boeing will deliver its Dreamliners to Qatar between 2010 and 2014, while the first 777s will begin arriving next month.

Al Baker said the airline had the option to use the 777s for cargo and passenger operations.

All Boeing aircraft will be equipped with General Electric GEnx and GE90 engines.