Qatar Airways takes on the role of the first operator of the 777-9: The Gulf airline wants to receive the first three aircraft from Boeing in 2023.

“Qatar Airways is the first customer of the 777X, we will receive our first three aircraft in 2023,” said airline chief Akbar Al-Baker at the US and Qatar economic forum. Al-Baker is also advocating the idea of ​​a new full freighter based on the 777-8. Lufthansa and Emirates could also have advanced as first operators, like aero.de reported. Emirates does not currently expect the first 777-9s until around 2024, Lufthansa is expecting 20 777-9s in the delivery period from 2023 to 2024. Four Boeing 777-9s are currently flying at Boeing in the certification program for the world's largest twin-jet engine.