Boeing Secures Record-Breaking $96 Billion Jet Order from Qatar During Trump Visit
— Boeing’s $96 billion deal with Qatar marks a pivotal moment for the aviation giant, potentially signaling a turnaround amid recent challenges.
Boeing has clinched a landmark deal with Qatar for up to 210 widebody jets, marking what the White House describes as the aircraft manufacturer’s largest-ever widebody order. The agreement is valued at $96 billion.
The deal coincided with a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Doha, where he was joined by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. Addressing concerns about Trump's plan to accept a Boeing 747-8 to serve as Air Force One — and later donate it to his presidential library — Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that it was merely a “government-to-government transaction.”
The proposed jet transfer has sparked bipartisan criticism, with some questioning whether Qatar is engaging in influence peddling. Nevertheless, both sides moved forward with substantial economic agreements.
During Trump’s visit, the U.S. and Qatar announced deals exceeding $243 billion, prominently featuring the Boeing aircraft and GE Aerospace engine sales to Qatar Airways.
In a press release, the White House hailed Trump as the “dealmaker in chief,” reinforcing his image as a master negotiator and global diplomat.
Boeing separately detailed that the order includes 130 of its 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9 jets, with options for an additional 50 Dreamliners and 777X aircraft. These widebody models are central to long-haul international travel and are prized for their efficiency and capacity.
“We are deeply honored 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 center,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
Following the announcement, Boeing’s stock saw a modest rise of 0.5% in New York trading. While the market responded positively, analysts cautioned that such orders are not final until firmed and are occasionally canceled.
The agreement comes at a critical time for Boeing, which has faced intense scrutiny and production issues. In early 2024, an incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 Max — where a door plug blew off mid-flight — halted much of the company’s momentum. Despite a slight recovery later in the year, Boeing ended 2024 with only 569 gross orders, representing a 60% decline from 2023.
This Qatar deal provides a much-needed boost and signals a potential turning point for the United States’ largest exporter as it aims to reestablish trust and performance across the global aviation market.
