The signing took place at a ceremony attended by Qatari Minister of Finance and Qatar Airways chairman Ali Sharif Al Emadi, Qatar Airways group chief executive Akbar Al Baker, and Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and chief executive Kevin McAllister, London's Air Cargo News reported.

Said Mr Al Baker: "As the world's third-largest cargo operator, Qatar Airways continues to invest in fleet expansion." 

Qatar Airways currently operates a fleet of 100 Boeing widebody aircraft. 

Said Mr McAllister: "We are honoured that one of the world's leading international cargo carriers recognises the unmatched capabilities of the B777 freighter and wants to buy more to lift their growing freight operations."

The B777F is capable of flying 9,070 kilometres with a payload of 112 tons. The plane's long range translates into fewer stops that mean lower landing fees, less congestion, lower cargo handling costs and shorter delivery times