Boeing has secured the largest aircraft deal in its history, signing a $96 billion agreement with Qatar Airways during US President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to Doha.
The White House hailed the moment as a “historic” commercial victory, with Trump appearing alongside Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg at the signing ceremony on Wednesday.
The deal includes confirmed orders for 130 Boeing '787 Dreamliners' and 30 '777-9' aircraft, with options for an additional 50 widebody jets. All planes will be built in the US, powered by GE Aerospace engines.
.@QatarAirways and Boeing announced a historic order for up to 210 widebody airplanes, setting records for Boeing's largest widebody and 787 Dreamliner orders and largest-ever order for the airline.
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) May 14, 2025
The deal supports nearly 400,000 U.S. jobs.
Release: https://t.co/f85V9yBrCs pic.twitter.com/YzyAu7FbvR
“This record-breaking order cements Boeing’s future with Qatar Airways at the heart of their fleet strategy,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
The agreement is part of a broader $243 billion economic package signed between the US and Qatar during Trump’s visit, which also included defence and aviation contracts.
The timing of the Boeing announcement is politically notable.
U.S. President Donald J. Trump and H.H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar joined Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for the signing. pic.twitter.com/Na3g0lmuyi
— Boeing Airplanes (@BoeingAirplanes) May 14, 2025
The company has previously faced criticism from Trump, particularly over delays and cost overruns related to the Air Force One programme. That programme is now expected to deliver new jets by 2027, before the end of Trump’s second term.
Boeing’s resurgence follows a turbulent period marked by supply chain disruptions, worker strikes, and aviation mishaps.
Last year, a door plug failure on an Alaska Airlines 737 Max derailed investor confidence, and total aircraft deliveries plummeted by 34%.
Yet, in just the past week, Boeing has locked in major international orders — including a 30-jet sale to British Airways’ parent company IAG and a separate order from Saudi Arabia’s AviLease for 737-8s.
China has also reportedly lifted its informal ban on Boeing aircraft purchases after a new trade understanding with the Trump administration.
Still, some controversy surrounds the Qatar deal.
The potential use of one of the new Boeing 747-8 jets as Air Force One — which Trump has suggested may be donated to his presidential library — has drawn bipartisan scrutiny over perceived favouritism.
Qatar’s prime minister brushed aside concerns, calling the sale “a government-to-government transaction.”
As Trump’s delegation continues its Middle East tour, Boeing is clearly emerging as a centrepiece of the president’s ambitious trade agenda — whether by design or fortunate timing.
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