Boeing wins Qatar Airways order for 737 Max planes, new 777X freighters

Boeing won a big order from Qatar Airways on Monday as the airline feuds with rival manufacturer Airbus. Shares of Boeing surged on the orders, ending the day up 5.1% at $200.24. The order is worth $34b at list prices, the aircraft manufacturer said, though airlines usually receive discounts, especially for such large orders. At a White House ceremony on Monday, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker signed a provisional order for 25 737 Max 10 jets, the largest model in the Max family, along with options to buy 25 more of the planes. Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun attended along with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and Qatar’s ambassador to the US, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani. The carrier also lined up as Boeing’s first customer for a freighter version of its newest jetliner, the 777X, as the airplane maker marked the official launch of the new air cargo plane. Qatar signed an order for 34 of the 777X, a giant, twin-engine plane, powered by General Electric, as well as options for 16 more of the jets. The airline also ordered two of Boeing’s current 777 freighter model. Boeing expects the passenger 777X to enter into service in late 2023, about three years behind schedule.<br/>