Qatar, the first Middle East nation to order the C-17, signed an agreement with Boeing on July 21, 2008, for two advanced airlifters and associated equipment and services, with an option for two additional aircraft. This C-17 aircraft, designated Qatar 02, is registered as a military aircraft yet bears the same gray, maroon and white livery seen on government-owned Qatar Airways commercial jetliners. This unique C-17 paint scheme - the first of its kind - is intended to build awareness of Qatar’s participation in operations around the world.