Boeing nears wide-body jet sale to Qatar Airways: Sources

Boeing is close to clinching a large sale of widebody jetliners to Qatar Airways, a deal that moved closer with the recent US approval of Boeing fighter jet sales to the Gulf nation, according to 2 people familiar with the situation. Qatar Airways is in the process of firming up the order, which it was due to have placed at July's Farnborough airshow, but which was delayed by the Qatari govt in an effort to speed up US approval for the fighter contract. It was reported that the deal was for at least 30 Boeing 777 and 787 jets, valued at about US$6.7b at list prices. If the deal is finalised, it would give the Boeing a substantial sales boost amid a slump in widebody orders this year. Qatar Airways CE Akbar Al Baker said in August that the airline planned to make a major aircraft order to enable its network expansion plans. <br/>