Today, Qatar Airways CEO wished , if Boeing comes up with the freighter version of much awaited B777X , while urging the engine maker GE to invest in future technology to reduce carbon foot prints from aviation.
Qatar Airways Chief Executive Akbar al-Baker told in 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.
As Boeing is occupied with bringing back B737 Max and B787 Dreamliners to the full scale delivery schedules, launch plans of B777X passenger version has taken a hit , delayed 2 years beyond schedule .
Freighter version of B777X might take some more time , as Boeing sees weak demand for its passenger version.
Qatar Airways would need to start replacing older 777 jets by the time Boeing or rival Airbus launch any new aircraft programmes, said Al Baker.
Coincidentally, today European planemaker Airbus showed interest in the freighter version of its A380 Super jumbo passenger jets, which could not make big of a success in passenger segment.
Earlier, Qatar Airways had ordered 65 B777X passenger jets, and Baker expects to receive its first three in 2023 following delays from the Seattle based aerospace giant .
Earlier Boeing had pushed delivery plans of B777X deliveries to 2023, three years later than initially planned with a longer and costlier certification process.
Baker also urged GE to get involved in “future technology engines sooner than later,” citing an airline industry carbon neutral growth commitment in 2050.
“When you look at how long things take to develop, 2050 is not far away,” he said.
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