Qatar Airways has placed an order for two 747-8 Freighters and four 777-300ERs from Boeing, and has taken delivery of the first 747-8F.

“The addition of our very first 747-8 Freighter is a significant moment for our cargo division, and a welcome addition to our 20-strong cargo fleet of widebody aircraft,” said Akbar Al Baker [centre in photos], group chief executive of Qatar Airways, speaking at a ceremony at Boeing's delivery centre in Everett, Washington. “As the world’s third-largest cargo operator, Qatar Airways continues to invest in fleet expansion, with a second 747-8F due to be delivered in November. This reflects our confidence in Boeing to continue to deliver an outstanding product that meets our exacting standards. We expect no less than perfection, and we are confident that Boeing will continue to deliver that.”

The nose door of the aircraft features an image of Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar.

Qatar Airways joins other major cargo carriers such as AirBridgeCargo, Atlas Air, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Cargo and UPS Airlines in operating the 747-8F, which offers 16% more cargo volume than the 747-400F.

“We are proud of our strong, enduring and growing partnership with Qatar Airways and we truly appreciate the value its business has brought to Boeing, its employees, suppliers and our communities,” said Kevin McAllister [right in photos], president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “As one of the world’s largest international cargo carriers, it is heartening that Qatar Airways has selected the 747-8 Freighter to meet the needs of its growing cargo operations and to see the important role the 777-300ER continues to play in its long-haul fleet.”

The airline already has eight Airbus A330-200Fs and 12 777Fs in its fleet, and has more than 100 Boeing aircraft on order, including 737 MAX 8s, 777-300ERs, 777Fs, 777Xs and 787-9s.