Doha, May 15 - Qatar Airways, the state-owned flag carrier of Qatar, on May 14, 2025, finalized a landmark agreement with Boeing to purchase 160 twin-aisle jetliners, marking the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history. The deal, signed during a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Doha, also includes options for an additional 50 aircraft, bringing the potential total to 210 jets. Valued at approximately $96 billion according to the White House, though some sources estimate it as high as $200 billion, the agreement encompasses a mix of Boeing 777X and 787 Dreamliner models, all powered by GE Aerospace engines. The signing ceremony, attended by Trump, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, underscored the strategic alignment of commercial aviation and geopolitical partnerships.
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The order comprises 130 Boeing 787s and 30 777Xs, designed to bolster Qatar Airways’ long-haul fleet and support its ambitious expansion plans. The 787 Dreamliner, known for its fuel efficiency and versatility, will enhance the airline’s ability to serve high-density regional routes, while the 777X, with a capacity of 426 passengers and a range of 7,295 nautical miles, will enable ultra-long-haul operations. Qatar Airways aims to increase its annual passenger capacity from 50 million to 80 million by 2030, reinforcing Hamad International Airport’s role as a global hub connecting 180 destinations. The airline, which reported a record-breaking $1.7 billion profit in 2023–2024, is leveraging its financial strength to modernize its fleet, phasing out older Boeing 777s and Airbus A380s. This order complements Qatar Airways’ existing commitments, which include 94 777Xs, 50 Airbus A321neos, 18 Airbus A350-1000s, 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s, 11 Boeing 787-9s, and 34 Boeing 777 8 Freighters, bringing its total order book to nearly 360 aircraft.
For Boeing, the deal is a significant boost amid challenges, including certification delays for the 777X, now expected to enter service in 2026, six years behind schedule. The agreement strengthens Boeing’s position in the Middle East, a region projected to rely heavily on twin-aisle jets, which will constitute 44% of regional fleets over the next two decades. The deal also highlights Boeing’s competitive edge over Airbus, whose A350 models, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, have faced maintenance issues in the Gulf’s extreme climates.
Trump’s visit, part of a broader Middle East tour that included Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, emphasized aviation and defense as key pillars of U.S.-Gulf economic ties. The Qatar Airways order aligns with the region’s push to diversify economies through heavy investments in aviation, with total corporate deals across the three nations potentially reaching $3 trillion. This agreement not only cements Qatar Airways’ long-term partnership with Boeing but also reflects Qatar’s diplomatic efforts to strengthen ties with the United States. By securing delivery slots booked well into the 2030s, the airline ensures its ability to meet growing global demand for long-haul travel while maintaining one of the world’s most advanced and efficient fleets.