DOHA- Qatari flag carrier, Qatar Airways (QR) will soon finalize a substantial order for wide-body aircraft to support its long-term expansion strategy, according to Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Thierry Antinori’s statement to Reuters on Monday evening (March 3, 2025).

“To secure the growth of tomorrow by continuing to have a very strong and the best fleet in the industry, our CEO is working on the RFP (request for proposal) with the aircraft manufacturer to place a big order soon,” Antinori confirmed.

Qatar Airways Widebody Order

The CCO indicated the contract will be announced next month but declined to reveal whether the deal would be with Airbus, Boeing, or split between both manufacturers.

This development follows CEO Badr al Meer’s statement at the Farnborough air show in July last year, where he mentioned the airline was considering a large aircraft acquisition.

Antinori also shared performance data with Reuters, noting Qatar Airways has experienced growth exceeding market averages from April 2024 through January 2025.

The airline reported a 9 percent increase in passenger numbers across its entire network, with Europe showing 14 percent growth and Germany specifically seeing a 12 percent rise.

The widebody aircraft currently available in the market include Airbus A330neos, A350s, Boeing 777X and 787s.

777X Order in 2024

In 2024, Qatar Airways placed an order for 20 Boeing 777X. This expansion raised the airline’s total 777X orders to nearly 100 aircraft, reinforcing its position as a major customer for Boeing’s newest wide-body jet.

The 777-9 will accommodate 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and offers a 7,295 nautical mile range, enabling Qatar Airways to explore new route opportunities. This aircraft aims to become the world’s largest and most fuel-efficient twin-engine jet.

Qatar Airways has been instrumental in launching the Boeing 777X program. The carrier now holds orders for 60 777-9 passenger planes and 34 777-8 Freighters, establishing itself as the launch customer for both variants.

The 777X integrates technologies from the 787 Dreamliner to establish new benchmarks in efficiency and environmental performance. These advancements support Qatar Airways’ sustainability goals and operational excellence standards.

Passengers will benefit from the aircraft’s spacious cabin design, improved humidity levels, quieter environment, and increased natural light.

Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer stated: “Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20, totalling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft. We, as the World’s Best Airline, are an industry leader and operate one of the youngest fleets, offering unparalleled innovation and quality. Keeping an eye on the future, we continue to ensure that all Qatar Airways passengers are only met with the best products and services available in the industry.”

GE Aerospace President and CEO of Commercial Engines and Services, Russell Stokes, added: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Qatar Airways to support the airline’s commitment to an excellent customer experience and best-in-class efficiency. The GE9X is the world’s most powerful and most fuel-efficient turbofan and we look forward to continuing to support the growth of the Qatar Airways family with this technology.”

Feature Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr

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