Qatar Airways Plans Major Wide-Body Aircraft Order for Growth

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar Airways is set to place a significant order for wide-body jets aimed at bolstering its long-term growth strategy, Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori told Reuters on Monday.

Antinori indicated that the airline’s CEO is currently finalizing a request for proposal (RFP) with aircraft manufacturers, stating, “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 to place a big order soon.” He did not disclose whether the order would be with Airbus, Boeing, or a combination of both.

This impending order aligns with CEO Badr al Meer’s comments made during the Farnborough Air Show in July 2024, where he indicated that a large aircraft acquisition was under consideration.

Qatar Airways has experienced robust growth in passenger numbers from April 2024 through January 2025, reporting a 9% increase overall, with Europe seeing a 14% rise and Germany registering a 12% uptick.

The available wide-body aircraft options currently include the Airbus A330neo, A350, Boeing 777X, and the 787.

In 2024, Qatar Airways ordered an additional 20 Boeing 777Xs, raising its total to nearly 100, thereby reinforcing its position as a major customer for Boeing’s latest offerings. The 777-9 model accommodates up to 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration and boasts a 7,295 nautical mile range, enhancing Qatar Airways’ opportunities for new routes.

The 777X series seeks to establish benchmarks in fuel efficiency and operational capabilities, integrating technologies from the 787 Dreamliner. Qatar Airways’ commitment to sustainability and operational excellence is further highlighted by its status as the launch customer for both the 777-9 passenger and 777-8 freighter variants.

Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group CEO, stated, “Qatar Airways is proud to announce an expansion to the existing Boeing 777X aircraft order with an additional 20 units, totaling 94 Boeing 777X aircraft. We are an industry leader operating one of the youngest fleets available, and we’re focused on delivering the best products and service to our customers.”

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