Boeing

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Qatar Airways today celebrated the arrival of the first Boeing airplane to join the airline's fleet. Qatar Airways' new flagship 777-300ER arrived after a nearly 15-hour direct flight from Paine Field in Everett, Wash.

Qatar has ordered a total of 27 777s with options for five additional airplanes. Qatar also has ordered 30 787 Dreamliners and holds 30 options.

Lee Monson, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of Sales for the Middle East and Africa, led the Boeing contingent at today's ceremonies in Doha.

"Today truly marks a milestone in our relationship with Qatar Airways," Monson said. "We look forward to a strong future of cooperation as we see Qatar's Boeing fleet expand to become the core of its operations."