(Reuters) -Boeing ( BA ) has kicked off production of its newest freight carrier, the 777-8, the Seattle Times reported on Tuesday.

The aircraft, which has a revenue payload of 112.3 tonnes, was first announced in 2022 at the White House.

Boeing ( BA ) had then said that Qatar Airways would be the first customer, with an order for 34 jets and options for 16 more, and a total purchase price of $20 billion.

While Boeing ( BA ) originally said they expect to deliver the first aircraft in 2027, the timeline has been delayed by a year, the report said.

The 777-8 freighter has the lowest operating costs per tonne, most fuel efficiency and the lowest carbon dioxide emissions among the 777X family of aircraft, according to Boeing's ( BA ) website.

Boeing ( BA ) did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for a comment.