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Qatar Airways makes historic $96 billion Boeing deal during Trump visit

Thursday 15 May 2025 - 07:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

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During a visit to Doha, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Qatar Airways had placed a record-breaking order for 160 Boeing aircraft, marking a major milestone for the American aerospace firm. The White House confirmed that this is the largest order ever for Boeing's wide-body jets.

According to an official fact sheet, Qatar Airways agreed to purchase up to 210 Boeing aircraft, including the 787 Dreamliner and the 777X models, all powered by GE Aerospace engines. The estimated total value of the deal is $96 billion, although the exact contract details remain undisclosed. Boeing declined to comment at this stage.

This major agreement is seen as a significant achievement for Boeing’s new CEO, Kelly Ortberg. However, due to current production backlogs in the aviation industry, deliveries are not expected to begin for at least five years.

Both Boeing and its European competitor Airbus have faced ongoing supply chain challenges amid high demand from global airlines. Boeing, in particular, has also been dealing with labor and safety issues affecting production capacity.

Ortberg appeared at the signing ceremony alongside President Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. The event also included the signing of defense contracts and Qatar’s purchase of American-made MQ-9B drones. “It’s the largest jet order in Boeing’s history,” Trump declared.

While Boeing’s official list prices suggest the value may be under $200 billion, the White House’s stated $96 billion appears to also account for engine orders from GE Aerospace.

This deal follows Trump’s earlier stop in Riyadh, where he lifted sanctions on Syria and met with its president. Relations between Washington and Doha have drawn attention, particularly after Qatar offered Trump a $400 million luxury plane intended as a future Air Force One and later for his personal use.

Since 2016, Boeing has received 118 aircraft orders from Qatar Airways and delivered 65, according to its official data. Analyst Nicolas Owens noted that while the order is positive news for Boeing, revenue from these aircraft won’t be realized for years. He added that it reflects renewed confidence in the delayed 777X, expected to begin deliveries in 2026.

Ortberg, who took the helm at Boeing in August 2024, has focused on operational reform and improving the company’s safety culture amid close oversight by regulators.

Following the announcement, Boeing shares rose by 1.6 percent.