Qatar Airways has placed an order for three 777 Freighters and two 777-300ERs with American aircraft manufacturer Boeing.

The orders are valued at $1.4 billion at list prices.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of the Business & Investment in Qatar Forum in New York in the presence of HE Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabor Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister.

US secretary of transportation, Ray Lahood, and the US ambassador to Qatar, Joseph LeBaron, were also on hand to witness the deal.

The agreement was signed by Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways’ chief executive and Tony Valentine, sales director, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The forum, of which Boeing is one of the sponsors, is held under the patronage of HE Sheikh Hamad and aims to promote Qatar’s emerging role as a political, economic and cultural hub in the Middle East.

“Qatar Airways has made a significant commitment to the 777, an airplane which has become the flagship of our fleet,” said Akbar Al Baker.

“The capacity of the Boeing 777 Freighter is unrivalled and its economics make it an attractive addition to our fleet.

“It is an opportune time to be introducing more cargo capacity to our fleet.

“As the State of Qatar and other parts of the region are growing at a phenomenal pace, we are well positioned to take advantage of this growth.”

Qatar Airways currently operates eight ultra-long range 777-200LR, 15 777-300ERs and two long-range 777 freighters.

Last week, the airline took delivery of its 25th 777.

“The confidence that Qatar Airways continues to place in the 777 is testimony to the outstanding success of this airplane and Qatar Airways’ business model.

“We look forward to a continued partnership as Qatar Airways expands its position on the international stage,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of sales & marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

In 2010 Qatar Airways was recognised by the World Travel Awards as offering the Middle East’s Leading Airline Business Class and Middle East’s Leading Airline Lounge.