Qatar Airways chief Akbar Al Baker (far right) signs the letter of intent

Qatar Airways has formally announced its signature of a letter of intent to order 50 of the Boeing’s new 777-9X aircraft.

Until today, the airline had no orders for the 777X to join its fleet.

Boeing is presently celebrating the launch of the aircraft, having received record orders at the Dubai Air Show.

Qatar Airways revealed the deal at the event.

Currently Qatar Airways fleet is a mixture of various aircraft types, including 51 Boeing 777s – both Extended Range, Long Range and Freighters (37 are currently in service with the remaining pending delivery).

Addressing media at a press conference at Al Maktoum international airport, the recently opened and new venue of the Dubai Air Show, Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said:  “Today, I represent Qatar Airways and its board members in signing a letter of intent for the purchase of 50 Boeing 777 - 9X aircraft, valued at US$ 19 billion at list prices.

“For Qatar Airways, the Boeing 777 is our flagship aircraft. It has been the backbone of the fleet.

“Operational on many of the routes Qatar Airways flies to, it is well admired by our crew and passengers alike; it is simply a fantastic aeroplane.”

“Since Qatar Airways started taking deliveries of Boeing 777s in November 2007, our fleet has been significantly enhanced, enabling the airline to reach a route map covering the entire Middle East and most of Africa; the Indian sub-continent, Europe, Asia Pacific, North and South America.”

Of the current 777 fleet, Qatar Airways operates a mix of passenger and cargo aircraft – 23 Boeing 777-300ERs, nine 777-200LRs (Long Range) and five Boeing 777 freighters.

This year marks the 13th edition of the Dubai Airshow.