Boeing clinched its largest-ever widebody aircraft deal on Wednesday, when Qatar Airways, the state-owned carrier, confirmed a firm order for 160 jetliners, with options for an additional 50 aircraft. This significant agreement was announced during President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf region, marking a major milestone in his tour of the Middle East. The deal, valued at a massive \$96 billion, includes Boeing’s new 777X and 787 models, both powered by GE Aerospace engines. The announcement of the sale not only serves as a significant diplomatic win for President Trump during his visit, but it also provides a substantial boost to Boeing and GE Aerospace, especially given the backdrop of increasing competition from Airbus and ongoing challenges faced by its products in extreme climates.
The deal includes 160 firm orders: 130 for the 787 Dreamliner and 30 for the 777X. In addition to these firm orders, Qatar Airways has options for another 50 aircraft, either of the 787 or 777X models. Boeing’s shares rose by 0.6% on the news, while GE Aerospace’s stock saw a modest gain of 0.7%. This order is a strategic victory for Boeing, reinforcing its position as a major player in the widebody aircraft market at a time when its rival, Airbus, is struggling with operational issues related to its A350 model, particularly in the Middle East’s scorching temperatures.
For the 787 Dreamliner, Qatar Airways opted for the GEnx engines supplied by GE Aerospace, rather than Rolls-Royce’s Trent 1000 engines, which have experienced reliability problems in the past. The 787’s GEnx engine offers better fuel efficiency, lower emissions, and superior performance in hot and humid climates, making it a more suitable option for Qatar Airways, which operates in the challenging conditions of the Gulf region. For the 777X, the exclusive engine option is GE Aerospace’s GE9X, an engine designed for the new generation of long-haul aircraft. The decision to go with GE’s engines further solidifies the strong partnership between Boeing and GE Aerospace, which have worked closely together for decades.
This deal also serves as a critical boost for Boeing at a time when its rival Airbus has faced challenges with its A350 aircraft. The A350, powered by Rolls-Royce engines, has encountered maintenance difficulties, particularly in the extreme heat of the Gulf region, leading some airlines to reconsider their long-term fleet strategies. The operational challenges faced by Airbus in the Middle East have given Boeing a unique opportunity to capture market share, especially in regions where high temperatures and humidity place added strain on aircraft engines.
The 777X, part of Boeing’s next-generation widebody family, is still in development, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. However, the program has experienced significant delays, and the aircraft is now expected to arrive six years later than initially planned. Despite these setbacks, the 777X remains a highly anticipated aircraft in the aviation industry, due to its combination of greater fuel efficiency, larger capacity, and improved passenger comfort. Qatar Airways already holds orders for 94 777X aircraft, while Emirates, another major Gulf carrier, has orders for 205 of the planes. The two airlines were among the earliest customers when Boeing first launched the 777X program in 2013.
Boeing’s overall order book, as of April 30, 2025, reflects a total of 521 orders for the 777X and 828 orders for the 787. These numbers demonstrate the enduring demand for Boeing’s widebody aircraft, particularly in the long-haul market, which continues to grow as airlines around the world seek to upgrade their fleets with more fuel-efficient, technologically advanced planes. The 787 Dreamliner, in particular, has been one of Boeing’s most successful models, with its combination of lower operating costs, superior range, and enhanced passenger comfort making it a popular choice for airlines globally.
The deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways is part of a broader trend in the aviation industry, where airlines are increasingly focusing on upgrading their fleets with newer, more fuel-efficient aircraft. Airlines are seeking to reduce operating costs and improve environmental sustainability, and the 787 and 777X are both seen as key solutions in this regard. Boeing has also invested heavily in research and development to ensure that its aircraft meet the evolving needs of the airline industry, including advancements in engine technology, aerodynamics, and fuel efficiency.
For Qatar Airways, this deal is a significant step in its continued expansion and modernization efforts. The airline has been at the forefront of adopting new, state-of-the-art aircraft and has become one of the most successful and influential carriers in the world. Qatar Airways is known for its commitment to providing top-notch service to its passengers, and the addition of the 787 and 777X to its fleet will further enhance its position as a leader in the global aviation industry.
The agreement also provides a much-needed boost to Boeing’s bottom line, following a period of financial challenges and production delays. While the 777X has faced setbacks, Boeing remains confident that it will ultimately deliver an aircraft that meets the high expectations of its customers. The deal with Qatar Airways highlights the ongoing strength of Boeing’s product lineup, even in the face of intense competition from Airbus.
Qatar Airways has secured a historic $96 billion deal for 160 Boeing twin-aisle jets, including the 787 and 777X models, marking a major milestone during President Trump’s Gulf visit. This groundbreaking order positions Qatar Airways as a global aviation leader while strengthening its partnership with Boeing and GE Aerospace.
In conclusion, this historic deal between Boeing and Qatar Airways represents a major milestone for both companies and for the aviation industry as a whole. The purchase of 160 widebody aircraft, with options for 50 more, underscores Qatar Airways’ commitment to maintaining a world-class fleet and Boeing’s continuing role as a leader in the global aerospace market. While the delivery of these aircraft will take several years, the deal sets the stage for a new chapter in the long-haul aviation market, with both companies looking to capitalize on the growing demand for fuel-efficient, technologically advanced aircraft in the years to come.
Tags: Boeing, 777X, President Trump, Qatar Airways
