Qatar Airways signs deal for 100 B777X freighters, B737 MAXs

Doha : Qatar Airways signed an agreement for Boeing's freighter version of its newest twinjet - the 777X. The order makes Qatar the launch customer for the new huge cargo jet, with a commitment for up to 50 airplanes. 
Furthermore, the deal also includes an additional order for up to 50 737 MAX.
This deal was finally done on January 31 between Qatar Airways and Boeing for its forthcoming freighter variant of the 777X. Qatar's emir was visiting Washington for discussions with the President, and took the opportunity to sign for a total of 50 of the airplanes during his visit.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, representatives from the government of Qatar, Boeing, GE Aviation, and Qatar Airways all participated in a signing ceremony at 12:30 ET on January 31. The 777XF deal was signed for 34 firm orders and 16 options.
The airline has also signed for up to 50 737 MAX aircraft, replacing the 50 A321neos that were cancelled by Airbus earlier in January. The order is for 25 firm and 25 options.
The move to go for the US manufacturer for the airline's future needs does not come as a surprise, since the airline has been locked in a very public row with European planemaker Airbus over problems with some of its A350 passenger jets.