Boeing and Qatar Airways have struck a monumental deal for the Middle Eastern airline to purchase up to 210 jets from the U.S. planemaker, marking Boeing’s largest-ever order of widebody aircraft. The order includes 130 of Boeing’s 787 Dreamliners and 30 of its much-anticipated 777-9s, with the option for up to 50 more planes, as announced by the companies in a joint press release.
Additionally, Qatar Airways has signed an agreement with GE Aerospace for over 400 engines to power the Boeing planes, making it the largest purchase of widebody aircraft engines in GE Aerospace’s history. The deal was sealed during President Donald Trump’s state visit with the emir of Qatar, highlighting the significance of the partnership.
Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer expressed the airline’s commitment to investing in a modern and efficient fleet to meet the growing demand for air travel. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope emphasized the importance of this record-breaking order in solidifying Qatar Airways’ fleet with Boeing’s market-leading widebody airplanes.
The deal, valued at $96 billion by the White House, is expected to support a significant number of jobs in the U.S. Boeing and Qatar Airways estimate that around 400,000 jobs will be created as a result of this agreement. This development comes at a critical time for Boeing, which has been facing challenges such as safety concerns, manufacturing defects, and the impact of the trade war with China.
Sen. Lindsey Graham hailed the deal as a gamechanger for South Carolina, where the new planes will be assembled at Boeing’s Charleston facility. The agreement will nearly double Qatar Airways’ existing fleet of 233 aircraft and is set to enhance the airline’s global presence.
The purchase of these state-of-the-art aircraft raises questions about the future of air travel and the impact of such a significant investment in the aviation industry. With this groundbreaking deal, Qatar Airways is poised to revolutionize its fleet and passenger experience, setting a new standard for the airline industry.
As the aviation sector continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between Boeing and Qatar Airways will shape the future of air travel and drive innovation in the industry. Stay tuned for more updates on this historic agreement and its implications for the global aviation market.