Qatar Airways has finalised a landmark aviation deal with Boeing, ordering over 200 aircraft in what is being described as one of the largest commercial agreements in the sector’s history. The announcement came during a state visit by US President Donald Trump to Doha, where both countries pledged to deepen economic cooperation.
The agreement, with a total potential value exceeding $200 billion, comprises firm orders for 160 widebody jets, including 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9 models, along with options for an additional 50 aircraft. This deal not only underscores the Gulf carrier’s ambitions to modernise and grow its fleet but also reflects Boeing’s regained commercial momentum following recent setbacks.
The deal follows Trump’s earlier commercial agreements with Saudi Arabia and marks the second leg of his Gulf tour. While Trump emphasised the size of the deal, key details were only disclosed later. The order includes 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9s with options for 50 more 787 and 777X aircraft.
Qatar Airways makes historic deals during President Trump’s visit with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar:
— Qatar Airways (@qatarairways) May 14, 2025
Boeing Agreement is up to 210 aircraft; 130 787 Dreamliners setting the record as the largest Dreamliner order, and 30 777-9 aircraft,… pic.twitter.com/sqEoPzDxEH
The signing ceremony, held in the Qatari capital, was attended by President Trump, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Boeing CEO David Calhoun, and Qatar Airways Group CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. President Trump hailed the deal as a “tremendous achievement”, stating it would support thousands of American jobs while bolstering strategic ties between the US and Qatar.
“It’s a massive win for American manufacturing and a strong signal of our long-term partnership with Qatar,” Trump said.
Industry applause for historic agreement
Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, welcomed the deal as a milestone. “We are deeply honoured that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody aeroplane family at its centre,” Pope said in a statement.
According to officials, the deal is projected to support over 150,000 US jobs annually and represents a significant boost for the US aerospace industry, particularly through the inclusion of GE Aerospace engines. The partnership also strengthens Qatar Airways’ position as a global aviation leader, with expanded long-haul capabilities planned for North America, Europe and Asia.
While the White House cited the agreement’s total potential at $200 billion, Boeing clarified the confirmed portion to be around $96 billion, with the remainder tied to future orders and ancillary agreements signed during the broader Gulf tour.
Boeing won an order from Qatar Airways for 160 aircraft during President Trump’s visit to the region.
— Bloomberg (@business) May 14, 2025
"It’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing," Trump said Wednesday in Doha https://t.co/jJYWacWuAU pic.twitter.com/NlFOaa3DAR
Aviation analysts note that the order could reshape market dynamics, particularly as Gulf carriers adjust to post-pandemic demand and intensifying global competition.
“This order will allow us to meet future demand while ensuring we remain at the forefront of innovation and service excellence,” said Al-Meer.
With deliveries expected to begin by 2027, the agreement cements Qatar Airways’ role in global aviation’s next chapter and reaffirms US-Qatar economic collaboration.
