Qatar Airways touches down with second long range 777

Qatar Airways has taken delivery of its second Boeing 777-200LR aircraft today.

The aircraft is the airline’s seventh 777 and the second -200LR variant and increases the Doha-based carrier’s fleet to 67 aircraft.

Qatar Airway's 777-200LR on approach to Doha International Airport

Chief executive Akbar Al Bakar said the aircraft was to be called Gaza in solidiarity with civilian victims of the recent conflict in Gaza.

“I know many of us have been deeply touched by the civilian deaths in the recent bombing of Gaza. Qatar Airways wants to recognise that innocent people, and in particular large numbers of children, were killed in these bomb attacks, and naming our latest aircraft “Gaza” is a symbolic gesture to commemorate and honour these victims," he said.

“The name ‘Gaza’ will fly around the world on Qatar Airways and spread a message of peace and humanity.

"Qatar Airways customarily names each of its aircraft after place names within the State of Qatar. But we have made an exception in this case.”