Boeing and GE Aerospace finalized a $96 billion agreement to supply up to 210 aircraft to Qatar Airways, marking the largest widebody and 787 Dreamliner order in Boeing's history. The deal, announced by the White House on Wednesday, was signed during President Donald Trump's state visit to Doha with Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg joined Trump for the signing ceremony at the Amiri Diwan, underscoring the administration's push to deepen commercial ties with Gulf partners. "It's the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing," Trump said, hailing the deal's potential to support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually and over one million in total throughout the delivery cycle.
The agreement covers Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft, both powered by GE Aerospace engines. Boeing has yet to deliver any 777X jets, which remain delayed due to ongoing certification challenges with the Federal Aviation Administration.
While full details were not immediately disclosed, the White House emphasized the economic impact of the deal, calling it a win for the American manufacturing base. "This is great news for South Carolina and Boeing," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), noting that the aircraft will be assembled at Boeing's Charleston facility.
The deal nearly doubles Qatar Airways' fleet, which currently includes 269 aircraft across its passenger, cargo, and executive divisions. According to Planespotters data, the airline group already operates 92 Boeing 777s and 53 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The new order-if fully exercised-will dramatically increase its reliance on Boeing widebody jets, especially as it phases out older Airbus A330s and A340s.
The signing follows another Boeing win earlier in the week when Saudi Arabian lessor AviLease ordered up to 30 737 MAX 8 jets, marking its first direct deal with the manufacturer. AviLease CEO Edward O'Byrne said the narrowbody order "complements our growth strategy toward being at the top of the industry." The 737s are expected to support Saudi Arabia's push to attract 150 million tourists annually by 2030.
Qatar Airways' fleet expansion signals a deeper strategic shift toward Boeing. The group is already awaiting delivery of multiple 777Xs and additional 787s. Its Airbus fleet-while still significant with over 100 aircraft-includes older widebodies such as A330s and A340s, and only a few remaining pending deliveries.
The timing of the order has also drawn scrutiny. The Trump administration has faced criticism over its acceptance of a Qatari gift: a luxury 747 jumbo jet reportedly intended to replace the current Air Force One. Some Democratic lawmakers have called the move unethical, while even some of Trump's Republican allies have expressed unease.
Still, for Boeing, the mega-deal could not come at a more critical time. The company has not posted an annual profit since 2018 and continues to wrestle with the aftermath of manufacturing flaws, safety scandals, and a prolonged machinists' strike. The $96 billion order adds to a $500 billion backlog that CEO Ortberg cited during Boeing's recent first-quarter earnings call as key to narrowing losses.
