Qatar Airways makes a major purchase of Boeing jets

Doha-based Qatar Airways announced plans Friday to purchase 40 new long-range aircraft from the Boeing Co. with a combined list price of $11.7 billion. Airlines typically get a discount, especially with larger orders.

The quick-growing Middle East airline is ordering 30 of Boeing's new 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 of its widebody 777-300ERs. Boeing has a new version of the 777 coming and this order will help close a gap in the production line.

Qatar also signed a letter of intent to buy up to 60 of Boeing's 737 MAX 8s, the new version of its best-selling short- and mid-range jet. The list price is $6.9 billion.

Qatar recently walked away from its first four Airbus A320neo deliveries due to delays.