Aviation

Qatar Airways interested in Boeing 777X freighter version

How Airbus deftly avoided the A350 controversy while obtaining fresh orders to secure its future.

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.

Lufthansa turning Airbus A350-900 into a Flying Research Lab

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.

FAA certifies Ryanair’s 737 MAX 8200. How it differs from the 737 MAX 8?

Aviation

Airbus Plans Cockpit Toilet to Make Single-Pilot Operations a Reality

In a bold move aimed at cutting costs, Airbus is exploring the possibility of installing a potty-style toilet right behind the Captain’s seat on its A350 long-haul aircraft. According to the reports from paddleyourownkanoo.com

This proposal is part of the ongoing effort to implement Extended Minimum Crew Operations (eMCO), a concept that could revolutionize the aviation industry by reducing the number of pilots required on ultra-long-haul flights.

Air India Invests in Future Talent: 50,000 Staff to Be Trained at New Facility

Currently, on long flights, two pilots stay in the cockpit while the others rest in a separate compartment. However, under eMCO, one pilot could be alone in the cockpit for up to three hours while the other sleeps. The goal is to reduce crew costs and improve airline efficiency, as fewer pilots would be needed for these flights.

But this proposal has raised concerns from pilot unions, who worry about safety and the challenges of single-pilot operations. To address the issue of bathroom breaks, Airbus suggests installing a radio-equipped toilet in the cockpit, allowing the pilot to use it without leaving their seat.

UAE Visa: New Rules and Regulations – These Items Are Now Prohibited in the UAE

If the pilot needs to use the toilet, the second pilot would have to be woken up, terminating the eMCO process temporarily.

If successful, Airbus plans to begin testing this system on its A350 aircraft as soon as 2027, with single-pilot operations possibly being introduced on freighter Airbus A320s within the next five years.