Boeing lands record-breaking $200B aircraft deal with Qatar Airways during Trump visit
May 14, 2025, 11:03 AM
President Donald Trump holds up a pen given by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Qatar. (Photo courtesy of The Associated Press)
(Photo courtesy of The Associated Press)
Qatar Airways signed a deal Wednesday to purchase 160 aircraft from Boeing, a major order valued at $200 billion.
The agreement, signed in Doha, was witnessed by President Donald Trump, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. Trump praised the deal as the largest jet order in Boeing’s history during his visit to the Gulf nation.
Details of the specific aircraft models involved in the order have not been disclosed. However, it’s expected to include Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and lead to the creation of thousands of jobs at the airplane manufacturer’s 787 facility in Charleston, South Carolina.
The announcement follows a recent deal from Qatar Airways to buy 94 777X planes, which are manufactured in Everett. Also, on Tuesday, China lifted its freeze on Boeing jet deliveries amid ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations.
Boeing’s turnaround
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The deals could mark a turnaround for Boeing after several challenging years, including two fatal crashes involving the 737 Max in 2018 and 2019, a door plug blowout on a 737 in 2024, and heightened oversight by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Kelly Ortberg, who took over as Boeing CEO amid the company’s recent turbulence, has prioritized restoring confidence in Boeing and securing new business. Wednesday’s signing could signify that the strategy is beginning to pay off.
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