Qatar Airways made the biggest news, cargo-wise, at the recent Farnborough Air Show, with the announcement of its intent to order four Boeing 777 freighters with options for four more. The planes have a combined value of about US$3 billion (2.2 billion euros).
Qatar Airways and Boeing also finalized an order for 50 777-9Xs. The 777X order was first announced as a commitment at the 2013 Dubai Airshow and was part of the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history. In addition, Qatar Airways announced a commitment for 50 additional 777-9X purchase rights which if exercised, could take its 777X order tally to 100 airplanes, valued at around US$40 billion (29.5 billion euros) at list prices.
“Qatar Airways continuously builds upon its successful fleet program, and this latest announcement demonstrates our investment in quality equipment to deliver our signature five-star service,” Akbar Al Baker, CEO of Qatar Airways, said. “The Boeing 777 is a key component of our fleet and we look forward to building on this with the next-generation 777-9X.”
“Qatar Airways took delivery of its first 777 a few short years ago, and we are honored to see this partnership continue to grow and strengthen,” Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said. “Today signifies a new chapter in our relationship, with Qatar Airways’ endorsement of the 777X as well as their ongoing confidence in the value of the 777 freighter. These orders validate the market-leading role that the 777 and now the 777X will continue to play in the Middle East’s passenger and cargo market.”
Also in the region, Air Algerie announced an order for two Next-Generation 737-700C (Convertible) airplanes, valued at US$152 million (112 million euros). The order continues Air Algerie’s fleet renewal and expansion following January’s order for eight 737-800s.
The addition of 737-700Cs to the Algerian-flag carrier’s fleet will provide the airline with increased flexibility depending on passenger and cargo demands.
“The 737-700C will provide our fleet with flexibility, and enhances our ability to carry cargo on important routes,” Mohamed Salah Boultif, CEO of Air Algerie, said.
The 737-700C is a derivative of the 737-700 with strengthened wings, a main-deck cargo door and an in-floor cargo-handling system. In an all-passenger layout, the 737-700C can carry up to 140 passengers, while the all-cargo layout provides up to 40,000 pounds (18,200 kilograms) of capacity.
“With an expanding route network, coupled with the growth of the cargo market in North Africa, the 737-700C provides Air Algerie with the flexibility to maximize its revenues across both its passenger and cargo operations,” said Van Rex Gallard, vice president of sales for Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Emirates’ new route
Emirates will commence services to Budapest starting Oct. 27. Emirates will operate a wide-body A330-200 aircraft. With markets in Asia playing an increasing role in Hungary’s foreign economic growth targets, Emirates expects to see strong demand for this new service, especially to countries like Thailand, China, Sri Lanka and the Indian Ocean Islands.
Budapest currently has the fifth largest economy in Central and Eastern Europe. The UAE is Hungary’s largest Arab trading partner with annual trade between the two countries pegged at around US $1.2 billion.
Emirates SkyCargo will offer 12 tonnes of cargo capacity in each direction. Popular export commodities from Hungary are expected to be machinery, spare parts and foodstuff. The cargo division expects to transport garments, raw materials and electronics.
CEVA opens energy facility
CEVA Logistics opened its City of Energy hub in Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai. The 27,000-square-meter (290,720-square-feet) facility will be dedicated to the warehousing and handling of oil and gas products for the energy sector.
The City of Energy will house CEVA’s oil and gas customers and will be home to CEVA’s dedicated oil and gas and project logistics team.
“The City of Energy was established to serve as a catalyst for the growth and expansion of our oil and gas expertise in Middle East and Africa,” Hakan Bicil, CEVA’s commercial officer, said. “We are very optimistic about the progress of the region and the acquisition of new customers and business this year as Dubai continues to be an attractive logistics hub for local and regional companies.”