Qatar Airways has signed a letter of intent to purchase five Boeing 777 Freighters.

“The addition of five 777 Freighters is a significant moment for our cargo division,” said Akbar Al Baker [right in photo], group chief executive of Qatar Airways. “As the world’s third-largest cargo operator, Qatar Airways continues to invest in fleet expansion. This transaction will be a reinforcement of 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.”

Qatar Airways Cargo’s fleet already includes 13 777Fs, along with two 747-8Fs and eight Airbus A330Fs. It also currently has three more 777Fs on firm order, two of which are scheduled to arrive later this year and another in 2019.

“We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Qatar Airways and we deeply appreciate their business and the positive impact on Boeing, our employees, suppliers and communities,” said Kevin McAllister [left in photo], president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “We are honoured that one of the world’s leading international cargo carriers recognizes the unmatched capabilities of the 777 Freighter and wants to buy more to lift their growing freight operations.”

The 777F is capable of flying 4,900 nautical miles or 9,070 kilometres with a payload of 102 metric tonnes, according to Boeing.