Boeing Lands $96 Billion Qatar Airways Order During Trump’s Doha Visit

Boeing has secured a $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways, its largest-ever widebody aircraft order. Announced during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Doha on 14 May 2025, this contract is a huge achievement for Boeing and showcases U.S.-Qatar economic ties.

Initial reports valued the Boeing-Qatar Airways deal between $96 billion and $200 billion, but based on verified sources, $96 billion appears to be the correct figure.

The agreement was signed in Doha with Trump, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, and top Boeing and Qatar Airways executives present. It covers firm orders for 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners—efficient jets built for long-haul routes—and 30 Boeing 777-9s, with an option for 50 more planes. These aircraft will help Qatar Airways meet growing demand for global travel.

The order is part of over $243 billion in U.S.-Qatar business deals, with Boeing’s contract expected to support around 400,000 U.S. jobs. It also includes over 400 GE Aerospace engines, the biggest engine order the company has received.

Boeing has had a tough few years. In January 2024, a 737 Max safety issue caused production delays and a $10 billion loss. A seven-week workers’ strike in late 2024 slowed things further, leading to just 348 plane deliveries last year—down 34% from 2023. New orders also dropped 60% to 569 in 2024.

This deal is a much-needed boost. Boeing’s shares rose 0.5% in New York when the news broke, showing investor support. Big orders like this can sometimes change if airlines rethink plans, but it strengthens Boeing’s order book and its ties with Qatar Airways, which flies 150 Boeing jets and has over 130 more on order.

The deal fits into Trump’s efforts to land trade wins during his Middle East trip, which included Saudi Arabia and the UAE. His team called him a “deal-making leader,” pointing to other agreements like a $600 billion tech and defence deal in Saudi Arabia and a $10 billion order from IAG, British Airways’ parent, for 32 Boeing 787s tied to U.S.-UK trade talks.

Trump’s new tariffs, however, could make Boeing’s planes pricier, as it sources parts globally. A trade dispute with China has also paused deliveries to Chinese airlines, adding hurdles. The U.S. seems to be using Boeing deals to smooth trade negotiations, like linking the IAG order to U.S.-UK talks.

This order is a turning point for Boeing as it rebuilds after tough times. For Qatar Airways, it’s a step toward a modern fleet. Boeing must tackle production issues and trade policy challenges to deliver. Meanwhile, Trump’s trip keeps major deals in the spotlight, alongside questions about foreign offers.

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