Bloomberg: Boeing is preparing to launch its first new aircraft in 5 years, in a deal with Qatar that includes 50 aircraft

Boeing is preparing to launch the 777X freighter, its first new jet in nearly 5 years, with a commitment to purchase 50 aircraft from Qatar Airways, Bloomberg reported. They were described by sources familiar with the matter.

The announcement is scheduled to coincide with a meeting between the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and US President Joe Biden in Washington, DC, on January 31, according to people who requested anonymity.

The sources said that the potential deal worth several billion dollars will help confirm trade relations between the two countries, and may be revealed at the White House, although the location of the disclosure has not yet been finalized.

The deal comes as Qatar Airways CEO Akbar al-Baker is in talks with Airbus about possible defects in a passenger version of the A350.