Qatar Airways CEO says complaining about Boeing delays would be 'crying over spilled milk' as airline expands 777X order
Qatar Airways' CEO told reporters he expects its first Boeing 777X in early 2026.
The world's best airline also expanded its 777X order at the Farnborough Airshow.
It's a sign of confidence in Boeing during a testing period for the planemaker.
Qatar Airways' CEO isn't dwelling on delays to the Boeing 777X, in a sign of confidence for the embattled planemaker.
"What's important now, for us, is to receive it in the first quarter of 2026," Badr Mohammed Al-Meer told reporters on the sidelines of the UK's Farnborough Airshow on Tuesday.
"And as English people say, let us not cry over spilled milk," he added. "Let us focus on the new delivery."
Al-Meer said the airline has been in discussions with suppliers to ensure it's one of the 777X launch customers. "We already have a firm commitment from Boeing to deliver it on a certain date," he said.
Also on Tuesday, Qatar Airways announced an order for another 20 Boeing 777X aircraft, bringing its total to 94. The 20 jets were previously listed under an unnamed customer in Boeing's backlog.
Boeing initially hoped the larger, modernized version of its iconic 777 would enter service in 2020, but it's still awaiting certification.
The planemaker has been working to regain trust with its airline customers following the Alaska Airlines blowout and a subsequent slowdown in production.
Qatar's expanded order is a boost for Boeing, especially since it was named the world's best airline by Skytrax in June.
Boeing is targeting a 2025 entry to service, but Al-Meer and Emirates' Tim Clark have both pointed to 2026. Certification flight testing began earlier this month.
Qatar's 777X aircraft will feature the QSuite Next Gen, an upgraded version of its iconic business class, that was unveiled on Monday. Al-Meer also told reporters he would see the prototype of its new first-class product on Thursday.
The Doha-based airline has a bigger order of widebody jets in the works, too. "We need to take our time to evaluate what we get from both manufacturers," Al-Meer said.
He added that Qatar's relationship with Airbus has improved since its previous CEO Akbar Al-Baker's tenure, which saw a legal dispute over the A350, which competes with the 777X.
When Al-Meer took charge last November, he said he wanted to bring a culture of "trust and empowerment" to the Qatari flag carrier in a shift from his outspoken predecessor.
"We might have different personalities, but by the end of the day, the end result should be the same: to continue to have the best airline in the world," Al-Meer said on Tuesday.
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