Qatar Airways officially placed a record-breaking order with Boeing for up to 210 widebody jets, marking the largest widebody purchase in Boeing’s history. The deal includes firm orders for 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 of the new 777-9 aircraft, along with options for 50 additional jets. U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, witnessed the signing ceremony alongside Boeing and Qatar Airways executives.
Fleet Expansion and Engine Details
Qatar Airways powers its 787 Dreamliner fleet with GE Aerospace’s GEnx engines, offering a 25% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the aircraft they replace. The new 777-9—the largest twin-engine jet in the world, will start deliveries in 2026 and will further enhance Qatar’s capacity with state-of-the-art efficiency and passenger comfort. The deal also includes 400 GE engines, the largest engine order in GE Aerospace’s history.
Qatar Airways currently operates more than 150 Boeing aircraft, including passenger 777s and 787s as well as 777 freighters. This latest order will make Qatar the largest operator of the 787 Dreamliner in the Middle East, reinforcing its commitment to maintaining one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in global aviation.
Strategic Importance and Global Impact
During the signing ceremony, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope expressed honor at Qatar’s record-breaking order, highlighting how the deal secures Qatar’s future fleet around Boeing’s advanced widebody family. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways CEO emphasized that this order represents a strategic move not just to increase scale, but to build strength and meet growing global demand while delivering unmatched passenger experiences.
President Trump’s Gulf tour included multiple high-profile commercial announcements between the U.S. and regional partners. His presence at the signing underscored the deal’s significance for American aerospace and broader U.S.-Qatar economic relations.
In a related gesture, Qatar gifted President Trump a Boeing 747 aircraft valued at approximately $400 million to serve as a temporary replacement for the aging Air Force One fleet. The gift attracted international attention and highlighted a unique connection between Qatar, Boeing, and the Trump administration, blending diplomacy with commerce around Boeing aircraft.
This historic purchase solidifies Qatar Airways’ position as a global aviation leader and marks a crucial step in Boeing’s efforts to recover and grow amid recent industry challenges. With this fleet expansion, Qatar Airways aims to deepen its global network and compete strongly on key long-haul routes with modern, efficient aircraft.
