Key Points
- Qatar Airways signed a record-breaking deal to purchase up to 210 Boeing jets during President Donald Trump’s visit to Doha, with the White House initially valuing the agreement at up to $200 billion.
- The order, the largest in Boeing’s history, includes 130 Dreamliners and 30 777X aircraft, with options for 50 more planes.
- The deal provides a major boost for Boeing after a turbulent period marked by production issues and declining orders.
- Trump and Qatar’s Emir also signed multi-billion dollar defense agreements, including advanced drones and counter-drone systems.
- The visit is part of Trump’s Gulf tour, which also saw massive arms and investment deals in Saudi Arabia and a dramatic policy shift lifting US sanctions on Syria.
Doha: In a historic moment for global aviation, Qatar Airways has inked a record order with Boeing for up to 210 widebody jets, coinciding with US President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Doha. The White House initially touted the deal as worth over $200 billion, though later estimates from Boeing and industry sources place the total closer to $96 billion-still the largest single order in Boeing’s history.
At a signing ceremony attended by Trump, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Trump declared, “It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets. That’s fantastic. So that’s a record. It’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing. That’s pretty good”.
What’s in the Deal? Dreamliners, 777X, and a Lifeline for Boeing
The agreement covers 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 of the next-generation 777X aircraft, with options for 50 more jets. The planes will be powered by GE Aerospace engines, and deliveries are expected to begin in 2027. This order arrives at a critical time for Boeing, which has struggled with production delays, a major strike, and a sharp drop in orders over the past year.
Boeing’s CEO called the order “a record-setting moment that strengthens our partnership with Qatar Airways and signals renewed demand for widebody aircraft as international travel rebounds”.
Multi-Billion Dollar Defense Deals Signed Alongside Jet Order
The Doha summit also saw the signing of major US-Qatar defense agreements. Qatar committed nearly $2 billion for MQ-9B unmanned aerial vehicles from General Atomics and $1 billion for Raytheon counter-drone systems, marking a significant expansion of the US-Qatar security partnership.
“These agreements accelerate Qatar’s defense investment in the US-Qatar security partnership-enhancing regional deterrence and benefitting the US industrial base,” the White House said.
Trump’s Gulf Tour: Mega Deals and Diplomatic Shifts
Trump’s visit to Qatar is the second stop on his Gulf tour, following a dramatic visit to Saudi Arabia where he announced a $142 billion arms deal and the lifting of US sanctions on Syria-a move expected to reshape regional dynamics and open Syria to international investment.
The Qatar trip also drew attention due to reports that Qatar has offered Trump a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 to serve as the new Air Force One, with the jet later to become part of Trump’s personal fleet-a gesture that has sparked debate in Washington over ethics and influence.
Industry Impact: Boeing’s Comeback and Global Aviation Surge
The Qatar Airways deal is a lifeline for Boeing, whose fortunes have been battered by safety incidents, labor disputes, and trade tensions. The order underscores a resurgence in demand for long-haul aircraft as airlines modernize fleets and expand international routes. Boeing’s stock edged up on news of the deal, reflecting cautious optimism among investors.
The Doha agreements mark a turning point for Boeing and US-Qatar relations, signaling robust demand in global aviation and a new era of economic and defense cooperation in the Gulf.
