Boeing will begin the delivery of second batch of F-15QA combat aircraft to Qatar this year.
“We plan to begin delivery of the F-15QA to the Qatar Emiri Air Force (QEAF) in 2022,” Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Turkey & Africa, told The Peninsula in an exclusive interview.
These F-15QA aircraft are part of the deal announced in 2017. The US Department of Defense awarded Boeing a $6.2bn contract in 2017 to manufacture 36 F-15 fighter jets for the QEAF. The F-15 offers the world’s most advanced technologies and delivers more payload to the fight, more speed to target and more range than any fighter in the world.
Replying to a query about Boeing’s plan to deliver KC-46 Pegasus or CH-47 Chinook this year or next year, he said, “We are in continuous discussions with the QEAF on both those programs in addition to others, but there are no current confirmed orders for either,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura.
Boeing has a strong relationship with Qatar. The company showcased its diverse product portfolio at DIMDEX 2022 exhibition that concluded recently.
“DIMDEX 2022 is a key international platform for Boeing to highlight both the present and future capabilities of its diverse product portfolio that supports the region’s needs,” he said.
At the show Boeing has highlighted the F-15, KC-46, T-7 advanced pilot training system, H-47 Chinook, Airborne Early Warning & Control, Air Power Teaming System, and unmanned systems including the Integrator, ScanEagle and WaveGlider.
“Boeing has a nearly two-decade partnership with Qatar, and DIMDEX is an important opportunity for us to demonstrate that focus and highlight how our technology is being used by the Qatari military. For example, the QEAF’s fleet of eight C-17 Globemaster IIIs has become a familiar sight supporting disaster relief and other humanitarian operations around the world, symbolizing the generosity of Qatar and its people,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura.
Boeing’s presence in Qatar is limited not just to the defence sector but it has partnerships in the field of education and training also. “Boeing enjoys a strong relationship with Qatar. We currently have 264 employees employed by various Boeing entities in Qatar and are committed to the success of Qatar’s Vision 2030 and continue to work with our Qatari stakeholders to execute that vision,” he said.
“Our investments in Qatar have helped grow the local aerospace sector, creating jobs and driving innovation for mutual benefit. We are proud to support important causes such as education and training in Qatar through our work with community partners. Since 2016, we are partners of Qatar University and support the university’s engineering curriculum. We are also supporting high school and university students through our partnership with Injaz Al Arab (employability and entrepreneurship programs),” he said.
Boeing also enjoys strong relationship with Qatar Airways- the national carrier of Qatar. Earlier this year, Qatar Airways announced that it would be the 777-8 Freighter launch customer with a firm order for 34 jets and options for 16 more, a total purchase that would be worth more than $20bn at current list prices and the largest freighter commitment in Boeing history by value.
“Qatar Airway’s latest orders for 777-8 freighters and 737-10 passenger aircraft are some of the most significant deals ever for Boeing, and will provide Qatar Airways with one of the most advanced and most efficient passenger and cargo fleets in the region. These new aircraft will position the Qatar Airways for significant and sustainable growth in the future, and Boeing shares their confidence in the potential of commercial aviation in the region,” he said.
Boeing’s partnership with Qatar Airways was established in May 2006, and today Qatar Airways operates an extensive fleet of passenger and cargo aircraft.
“Boeing has built long-standing relations with both the State of Qatar and Qatar Airways; we deeply value these partnerships, and are committed to building on them for mutual benefit,” he said.
