Qatar Airways interested in potential Boeing 777X freighter, CEO says

Top Boeing customer Qatar Airways on Tuesday expressed interest in a potential new freighter from the planemaker, while urging engine maker GE to invest in future technology as pressure builds on airlines to reduce emissions. Plans for a freighter 777X have been delayed as Boeing wrestles with certification delays and weak demand for its passenger version. Qatar Airways CE Akbar al-Baker told an online event the Gulf carrier would "definitely be interested to look into" a freighter 777X, though said he had not been notified by Boeing about plans to launch it. Qatar Airways would need to start replacing older 777 jets by the time Boeing or rival Airbus launch any new aircraft programmes, he said. Airbus is also gauging airline interest in a freighter version of its A350 passenger jet, which if launched would target a market key to Boeing, Reuters reported in March.<br/>