Boeing 777-200LRs for Qatar, Air Austral
French operator Air Austral and Gulf carrier Qatar Airways are among several airlines revealed this week as previously unidentified Boeing customers.

French operator Air Austral and Gulf carrier Qatar Airways are among several airlines revealed this week as previously unidentified Boeing customers. Both have announced earlier orders for two 777-200LRs, each deal speculatively valued at $501 million.

Based on the South Indian Ocean island of Reunion, Air Austral flies two 777-300ERs, three Model 200ERs and two single-aisle 737s. “The [9,395-nm-range] 777-200LR is the only widebody airplane that can fly nonstop to Paris with a full payload from our short runway on the island of Mayotte,” said Air Austral chairman Gerard Etheve. In addition to the two new 777s (to be delivered in mid-2011 and 2012), Air Austral is to receive two 737-800s at the end of 2010 and a third leased 777-300ER early next year.