Qatar Airways Inks Record $200B Deal with Boeing During Trump Visit, Extending Historic Jet Orders
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Roshan Amiri
- . May 14, 2025
- . Update: May 15, 2025 6:10 pm
During Donald Trump’s recent visit to Doha, Qatar Airways has signed an agreement to purchase 160 aircraft from Boeing. This $200 billion order is significant as it officially became the largest commercial aircraft order in history. Both President Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin hamad Al-Thani, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer (Qatar Airways CEO) and Kelly Ortberg (Boeing’s CEO) were present when the agreement was signed.
President Trump called the contract the most significant deal in Boeing’s history: “It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there.” The deal reflects the growing economic relationship between the U.S. and Qatar building on momentum from earlier agreements signed with Saudi Arabia.
Although the two aircraft models in the order have not been named, analysts have taken note that large-scale purchase orders usually consist of a combination of passenger and cargo aircraft which may include models like the Boeing 777X and 737 MAX. It’s also unclear whether the orders are conditioned on firm orders or options without either Boeing nor Qatar Airways providing detailed comments on specifics of the deal.
The landmark deal indicates important support for Boeing in a competitive aerospace industry and reflects Qatar Airways’ strategic vision for fleet growth and modernization. It is anticipated this deal will create thousands of jobs, along with strengthening the U.S. and Qatar economy.
Boeing and Qatar Airways- Continuing a Legacy of Historic Aircraft Orders
In July 2024, Qatar Airways ordered 20 more 777-9 passenger planes, continuing its buildup of Boeing 777s, for a total of 94. With this order Qatar Airways is the launch customer for the 777X series passenger jets and the 777-8 Freighter series and owns almost 100 jets from Boeing’s most sophisticated widebody program. The 777-9 offers fantastic fuel efficiency, seats 426 passengers and has a range of 7,295 nautical miles. Qatar Airways’ new order reflects its continuous commitment to fleet innovation, sustainability and passenger premium experience. Boeing has also confirmed Qatar Airways has more 787 Dreamliners and more 737 MAX also ordered as part of their growth plan.
