Deal worth up to $2.8 billion includes firm orders for two airplanes and commitments for seven more

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways today announced agreements for nine Boeing 777-300ER (Extended Range) airplanes at the 2013 Paris Air Show.  The agreements include a firm order for two airplanes previously attributed to an unidentified customer on Boeing Commercial Airplanes Orders and Deliveries website, plus a commitment for an additional seven airplanes. The total value of the agreement is $2.8 billion at current list prices.

The Doha-based airline currently operates 35 Boeing passenger and cargo 777s of various types, including 22 777-300ERs, nine 777-200LR (Longer Range) airplanes and four 777 Freighters. The two firm airplanes give Qatar Airways a backlog of nine Boeing 777s. When the additional seven become firm, the backlog will rise to 16.

“With its reliability, economics and range capability, the 777 will continue to play a key role in enabling Qatar Airways to operate more direct non-stop flights from our hub in Doha to destinations in many markets including Australasia and the United States,” said Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker, speaking at a press conference at Le Bourget on the opening day of the Paris Air Show.

“We have already shown a desire to open up new destinations in the U.S., and the Boeing 777 will further feature in our expansion plans in this part of the world.”

Qatar Airways currently operates a modern fleet of 125 aircraft to 128 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas.

Qatar Airways took delivery of its first Boeing 777 in November 2007. In September 2011, the airline received a 777-200LR that became the 100th airplane to join its fleet.

“It is a great honor to have Qatar Airways operate the 777 as its long-haul flagship aircraft,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The 777’s unrivaled economics and customer-preferred passenger experience make it a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ success.”

Boeing press release