Qatar Airways expects to take delivery of the region's first Dreamliner 787 early next year after more than three years of frustrating delays.
The airline has 30 of the plane on order and holds options for another 30 787, making it one of the biggest customers of the model.
The US plane maker delivered the first lightweight carbon composite aircraft to Japan's All Nippon Airways on Sunday. The fuel-efficient plane is around three years behind its original delivery timetable.
"Qatar Airways is planning to start taking delivery of its order of Boeing 787s early next year," it said in a statement.
The aircraft's launch has been much-anticipated as not only will it enable airlines to cut their carbon emissions while saving money on fuel costs. As a result, it is the most popular new aircraft in aerospace history.
Fifteen per cent of the orders are from Middle East operators including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Gulf Air and Royal Jordanian.
Qatar Airways emerged as one of the biggest critics of the airline, with chief executive Akbar al Baker previously warned the airline could cancel its orders if the programme was hit by further hold-ups.
The airline yesterday declined to comment on whether it was still pursuing compensation claims against Boeing for the delays.
A string of design and production complications set back the delivery of the wide-bodied jet and dented Boeing's reputation.
tarnold@thenational.ae