Aviation

Qatar Airways interested in Boeing 777X freighter version

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With the recent Airbus A380 converted into freighter to now discussions surrounding the Boeing 777X looking likely that it could have attracted a considerable amount of interest from Qatar airways for a freighter variant, in one event CEO Akbar Al Baker said Qatar Airways interested in Boeing 777X Freighter Version.

This is a carrier that has already expressed its support on multiplications for a 777X freighter before it has even been delivered as a passenger aircraft to customers within the industry.

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Boeing has been locked in a constant tussle with their 777X with works to certify the aircraft proving tricky from troubles with the GE9X that saw the engines ripped off the test aircraft and sent back to GE aviation for testing and adjustments before returning to boeing this prolonged period for the GE9X and the 777X being on the ground meant that Boeing was naturally unable to move forward with their routine testing and certification plan and then the arrival of the global pandemic and the 737 max crisis adversely also impacted any plans to properly launch a wide-body aircraft that would basically have nowhere to go and not be useful within any current airlines operations as naturally, they don’t have any international long-haul routes to operate.

The Qatar Airways chief executive noted that they were interested in potentially looking into the capabilities of a Boeing 777X freighter for their operations however the main obstacle at this stage is that they have not heard whether or not Boeing will proceed in the future with launching a freighter version for their latest widebody the current 777 freighter which is based off the original passenger variant has received industry-wide acclaim for what it offers cargo operators and naturally the opportunity to have the latest piece of technology being that of the 777X in a freighter variant in the upcoming decade is another attractive option to customers.

Qatar Airways has both the 777X and the 777 passenger and also on top of that the 777 freighter within their passenger and cargo divisions and order book more naturally as we know the 777X has not been delivered and that highlights of Qatar for their liking for the type overall with the total to be exact of 65 777X aircraft on order. The carrier has said for these aircraft that the first three are going to be arriving in 2023 however this could very easily be delayed and based on comments from other airline executives the deliveries could easily slip back to 2024 or even 2025.

What Boeing though will attempt to do is prevent this from happening for as long as possible either way Qatar Airways remains eager on a potential 777X freighter launch but notes that progression on developing the type would need to take place sooner rather than later as before you know it will be in 2030 and especially with how long it takes to develop new aircraft or even develop existing aircraft into a freighter aircraft they need to get the start off soon.

What are your thoughts on the significant interest from Qatar Airways with regards to a 777X freighter feel free to comment.

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Aviation

COMAC Unveils Plans for the C929 to Rival Airbus and Boeing

After the success of China’s first C919 aircraft, the country is setting its sights on developing a larger plane. COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China) has officially confirmed plans to build a widebody aircraft, marking a significant step in its aircraft lineup.

Traditionally, Airbus and Boeing dominate the widebody aircraft market, with decades of expertise in developing planes and engines capable of carrying heavy payloads. China, which currently relies on imported engines, is now aiming to challenge these giants with its own widebody jet, the C929, designed to compete with the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.

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The C929 will be China’s first independently developed long-range widebody aircraft. It adheres to international airworthiness standards and boasts independent intellectual property rights. The baseline version is designed to seat 280 passengers and offers a range of 12,000 kilometers, catering to global demand for both regional and international air travel.

Russia, which also needs reliable narrowbody and widebody aircraft, could become a key customer for the C929. Additionally, China plans to target the broader Asian market as it continues to expand its aviation capabilities.

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China’s aviation progress includes the ARJ21 (now called C909), a regional jet with 100 seats for shorter routes, and the C919, a narrowbody jet with 180 seats designed to rival the Boeing 737 MAX and Airbus A320. Both models have found increasing demand in the domestic market.

At China’s largest air show in Zhuhai, COMAC announced that Air China will be the launch customer for the C929 widebody jet, though details about order size and delivery timelines were not disclosed.

Other major deals announced by COMAC include:

Hainan Airlines: Firm orders for 60 C919 and 40 C909 regional jets.
Colorful Guizhou Airlines: 30 C909 jets, with 20 firm orders and 10 provisional agreements.

The C929, renamed from the CR929 after Russia withdrew from the joint development project in 2023, is expected to carry 280–400 passengers with a range of 12,000 kilometers, competing directly with Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner.

According to COMAC’s deputy general manager, Tong Yu, the first fuselage section of the C929 is expected by September 2027, with prototype test flights anticipated soon after.