Boeing suffered a fresh setback at the opening of the Paris Airshow on Monday as the US planemaker's engine supplier revealed a delay affecting its all-new 777X jet, while Airbus targeted the middle of the market with a rival plane.

Two of Qatar Airways state-of-the-art fleet will be on display at the Paris Airshow, which takes place from June 17-23 at Le Bourget in the French capital.

Qatar Airways has firmed up an order for 20 Boeing 737 MAX jets and is awaiting the outcome of possible expansion in Italy and India before deciding whether to exercise further options, the carrier's CEO said.

Europe’s main stock markets closed higher yesterday, the start of a pivotal week for the region with the ECB forecast to announce fresh stimulus measures and Greece holding a snap election.