IFPTE Statement on Announcement of Qatar Airways as Launch Customer for Boeing 777X Freighter

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

IFPTE and SPEEA-Local 2001 Statement on Announcement of Qatar Airways as Launch Customer for Boeing 777X Freighter

WASHINGTON, DC – The International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE) issued the following statement on the announcement that Qatar Airways will be the launch customer for the Boeing 777X freighter. IFPTE International President Matt Biggs attended the White House announcement on the deal, which coincides with President Biden’s meeting with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, the Emir of the State of Qatar.

(l-r) IAMAW Distrct 751 President Jon Holden, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, and IFPTE President Matt Biggs.

FPTE President Matthew Biggs:

“As a union representing aerospace professionals at Boeing, Spirit AeroSystems, Triumph Group, GE and at NASA, this announcement is a win for IFPTE members, for union members throughout the U.S. aircraft manufacturing supply chain, for American manufacturing and R&D, and for 777X freighter launch customer Qatar Airways.

This achievement advances President Biden’s clear commitment to creating good union jobs and encouraging American manufacturing. IFPTE also thanks Senator Sherrod Brown, who attended the White House event, and recognizes his steadfast efforts on advancing legislation that supports union rights, fair trade, domestic manufacturing, and strategic national economic policies.”

Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA/IFPTE Local 2001) President Ryan Rule:

“SPEEA welcomes the 777X freighter program launch announcement as evidence that our voice at work, our commitment to create a better workplace, and our partnership with IAM 751 are central to the success of aerospace workers, our employers, and our industry.

This announcement and the continued development of the 777 show the value of a unionized aerospace workforce, of STEM education investments to support advanced manufacturing and research, and of government policies that level the playing field for U.S.-based manufacturers that sell goods to the world.”

Download a PDF of the press release.

2/1/2022 - Brown Joins White House, GE Aviation to Announce $6.8 Billion GE Aviation Sale to Qatar Airways (Senator Brown’s press release)

2/4/2022 - Boeing 777-8 Deal Hailed as Investment in Local Aerospace Jobs (The Stand)