Qatar Airways has finalised an unprecedented agreement with Boeing to acquire up to 210 widebody aircraft, marking the largest single order for such jets in Boeing’s history. The deal, valued at $96 billion, was signed during a high-profile ceremony in Doha attended by President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
The contract includes the purchase of 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9 aircraft, with options to acquire an additional 50 planes from these families in the future. This order not only sets a record for the Dreamliner programme but also highlights Qatar Airways’ commitment to operating one of the youngest and most efficient fleets globally.
To power these new jets, Qatar Airways has also secured a separate deal with GE Aerospace for over 400 engines, including 260 GEnx engines for the Dreamliners and 60 GE9X engines for the 777-9s. This engine order is the largest widebody engine purchase in GE Aerospace’s history. The 777-9, the newest model in Boeing’s long-haul lineup, promises a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions compared to previous generations.
The White House has emphasised the economic significance of the deal, estimating that it will support approximately 154,000 jobs annually in the United States, with total job creation potentially exceeding one million over the agreement’s duration. Boeing itself projects that the order will directly sustain around 400,000 American jobs, benefiting not only its workforce but also a vast network of suppliers and contractors nationwide.
Industry analysts note that this agreement comes at a pivotal moment for Boeing, which has faced a series of challenges in recent years, including safety concerns, production delays, and supply chain disruptions. The order provides a vital boost as Boeing works to reduce a backlog exceeding 5,600 aircraft-equivalent to more than seven years of current production capacity.
Qatar Airways aims to expand its global reach and boost its reputation for service and efficiency by committing to Boeing’s latest widebody aircraft. The airline, recognised by Skytrax as the “World’s Best Airline” a record eight times, continues to invest heavily in its fleet as part of a long-term growth strategy.
“We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history and the biggest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation. This is so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone,” Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer stated.
Meanwhile, Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, added, “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 airplane family at its centre.”
The timing of the announcement, coinciding with President Trump’s Middle East tour, has drawn attention to the diplomatic and economic ties between the United States and Qatar. The deal forms part of a wider package of economic agreements signed during the visit, collectively valued at over $240 billion. It also comes amid scrutiny of Trump’s interactions with Gulf leaders, including reports of a luxury jet offered by Qatar for potential use as Air Force One—a gesture that has sparked debate in Washington.
With this historic order, Qatar Airways could nearly double its current fleet, further cementing its status as a global aviation leader and long-standing Boeing customer. The new aircraft are expected to be delivered over several years, with assembly taking place at Boeing’s facilities in Everett and Charleston, ensuring continued economic benefits for American manufacturing hubs.