Boeing and Qatar Airways have finalised an order for 50 777-9Xs, valued at $18.9 billion at current list prices. The 777X order, first announced as a commitment at the 2013 Dubai Airshow, was part of the largest product launch in commercial jetliner history. In addition, the airline announced a commitment for 50 additional 777-9X purchase rights.

Qatar Airways is expanding its connectivity into Japan with the announcement that it will partner with its fellow oneworld alliance member, Japan Airlines, to offer an additional five code share domestic routes. The news follows the launch of Qatar Airways’ new route launch to Tokyo Haneda International Airport last week.

Qatar Airways has commenced daily, non-stop services between the newly unveiled Hamad International Airport (HIA) in Doha and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport. The new route increases Qatar Airways’ extensive global network to seven gateways within the United States and 144 destinations worldwide.

Qatar Airways announced earlier the airline will offer non-stop flights from Doha to Zagreb three times weekly from that commencing October 1st 2014. The new direct flights will provide a more convenient alternative to the current daily flights to Zagreb which fly via Budapest before moving onwards to the Croatian capital.

Elected unanimously as president for this year’s Annual General Meeting of the International Air Transport Association, Akbar Al Baker is, perhaps, better know in his role as the chief executive office of Qatar Airways. At the final press conference of this year’s event Phil Blizzard spoke with this veteran of the aviation industry and asked him what it meant to Qatar and indeed Qatar Airways to host this event.

Ahead of the 70th edition of the IATA Annual General Meeting, Akbar al Baker, chief executive of host airline Qatar Airways, talks to Phil Blizzard about some of the challenges in the region, their presence at the forthcoming Farnborough Airshow and the recently opened Hamad International Airport in Doha.