Qatar Airways inks $96 billion deal with Boeing in massive widebody jet order

In a landmark aviation deal announced during a high-profile visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to Qatar, state-owned Qatar Airways has placed firm orders for 160 Boeing widebody jets. The order includes 130 Dreamliners (787s) and 30 of Boeing’s next-generation 777X aircraft. The agreement, reportedly valued at $96 billion, also includes options for an additional 50 aircraft, potentially making it the largest widebody order in Boeing’s history.

The deal marks a significant win for Boeing at a time when competition in the long-haul aircraft segment has been intensifying. For GE Aerospace, which secured the engine contracts for the entire order, it represents the single largest engine deal in its history. Qatar selected GE’s GEnx engines for the 787s, bypassing Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000, which has faced durability challenges—particularly in hot and sandy climates like those in the Gulf. The 777X will be powered exclusively by GE’s GE9X engines.

This agreement not only reinforces Qatar Airways' strategy of fleet modernization and expansion but also underscores the economic and industrial ties between the U.S. and Gulf states. The signing ceremony, attended by President Trump, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Boeing executives, and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, was framed as a highlight of the president’s diplomatic tour through the Gulf region.

Strategic timing and industry impact

The order arrives as Boeing works to restore confidence in its widebody programs amid delays and production pressures. The 777X, still in development, is now expected to enter service in 2026—six years later than originally planned. Despite the setbacks, the aircraft has drawn interest from major Gulf carriers due to its size, efficiency, and extended range. Qatar Airways already had 94 777Xs on order prior to this announcement, while Emirates leads with 205.

From an industry perspective, the deal is a reaffirmation of Boeing’s long-term position in the twin-aisle segment, particularly in markets with heavy intercontinental traffic. It also places pressure on European rival Airbus, whose A350 program has faced challenges in similarly demanding environments.

As of April 30, Boeing’s official order book listed 521 orders for the 777X and 828 for the 787, numbers now significantly bolstered by the Qatar deal.

Summary:

Qatar Airways has placed a record-setting $96 billion order for 160 Boeing widebody aircraft, including 787 Dreamliners and 777Xs, with GE Aerospace engines. The deal, signed during President Trump’s visit to Qatar, represents the largest widebody order for both Boeing and GE Aerospace. It highlights growing U.S.-Gulf economic ties and strengthens Boeing's foothold in the long-haul market amid ongoing challenges for rival Airbus.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why is this Qatar Airways-Boeing deal significant?

This is the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history, valued at $96 billion. It strengthens Boeing's position in the long-haul aviation market and provides a major boost to U.S. aerospace exports.

2. What types of aircraft are included in the order?

Qatar Airways ordered 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777X aircraft, with options for 50 more jets.

3. Which company is supplying the engines for these aircraft?

GE Aerospace is supplying all the engines—its GEnx engines for the 787s and GE9X engines for the 777X. The deal includes 400 engines in total, marking the largest engine order in GE Aerospace's history.

4. Why was Rolls-Royce not selected as the engine supplier?

Qatar Airways chose GE over Rolls-Royce, likely due to durability concerns with the Trent 1000 engine, which has experienced performance issues in hot climates—a critical factor for Gulf-based airlines.

5. When will the aircraft be delivered?

The 777X is still in development and is scheduled to enter service in 2026. Delivery timelines for the 787s have not been disclosed but typically span several years.

6. How does this deal impact Boeing and GE Aerospace financially?

Beyond the headline value, this deal adds significant long-term revenue to both Boeing’s and GE Aerospace’s backlogs. It supports jobs in the U.S. manufacturing and aerospace sectors and signals renewed airline investment in long-haul travel.

7. What does this mean for the rivalry between Boeing and Airbus?

The order puts competitive pressure on Airbus, especially as its A350—often positioned against the 787 and 777X—has faced service reliability concerns in harsh climates. It also highlights Qatar Airways’ preference for Boeing jets in its next growth phase.

8. How many widebody aircraft does Qatar Airways already operate or have on order?

Before this deal, Qatar Airways had 94 777X jets on order. The airline operates one of the world’s most modern and diverse widebody fleets, making it a key customer for both Boeing and Airbus.

9. What are the broader business implications of this deal?

The agreement reflects deepening U.S.-Gulf economic ties and provides a major export win for American industry. It also signals post-pandemic confidence in international air travel demand, particularly in premium long-haul markets.

10. How did markets react to the news?

Boeing’s stock rose 0.6% and GE Aerospace gained 0.7% following the announcement, indicating investor optimism about the long-term value of the deal.