Qatar Airways Considers 100 Boeing Jets Order During Trump Visit

Qatar Airways Poised to Announce Landmark Boeing Order Amid Trump’s Middle East Visit

Qatar Airways is preparing to announce a historic order for up to 210 widebody aircraft from Boeing, with the deal valued at an unprecedented $96 billion. The announcement is expected to coincide with US President Donald Trump’s diplomatic tour of the Middle East, which includes visits to Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates starting May 13. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that the Doha-based airline is finalizing the terms, which include options for additional jets. While Qatar Airways has refrained from public comment, the timing of the announcement aligns closely with Trump’s regional engagements.

In late April, Qatar Airways CEO Badr Al-Meer hinted at an imminent major widebody aircraft order but did not disclose whether the contract would be awarded to Boeing or Airbus. The airline had previously solicited proposals from both manufacturers, seeking the most competitive offer to support its expanding long-haul fleet.

Focus on Widebody Fleet Expansion

The forthcoming order is expected to focus exclusively on widebody aircraft, as Qatar Airways plans to consolidate its narrowbody operations around the Airbus A321-200N. In June 2024, the airline confirmed ongoing discussions with both Airbus and Boeing regarding a significant widebody acquisition, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing’s next-generation 777X models. At the Farnborough Air Show in July, Qatar Airways firmed up an order for twenty additional Boeing 777-9s, supplementing its existing commitments for forty passenger 777-9s and thirty-four 777-8 freighters.

Current Fleet Composition and Future Commitments

Qatar Airways currently operates a diverse widebody passenger fleet comprising four A330-200s, nine A330-300s, thirty-four A350-900s, twenty-four A350-1000s, ten A380-800s, seven Boeing 777-200LRs, fifty-seven Boeing 777-300ERs, thirty-one Boeing 787-8s, and twenty Boeing 787-9s. The airline also has firm orders for eighteen additional A350-1000s, sixty Boeing 777-9s, and ten Boeing 787-9s.

Strategic and Market Implications

The announcement of this substantial Boeing order during President Trump’s Middle East visit carries significant strategic and economic implications. Boeing is currently navigating challenges stemming from US-China trade tensions, which have prompted Chinese carriers to delay or reject Boeing deliveries. The Qatar Airways deal is viewed as a critical endorsement of Boeing’s products amid this global uncertainty, providing a much-needed boost to the American aerospace giant.

Market responses to the potential order have been largely positive, signaling renewed confidence in Boeing’s future prospects. Nonetheless, the deal may still face obstacles related to international trade disputes and competition from Airbus, which remains a formidable rival in the widebody segment.

Beyond commercial considerations, the agreement highlights the strengthening economic and strategic relationship between the United States and Qatar. As the Trump administration seeks to reinforce alliances in the Middle East, the record-breaking aircraft order exemplifies the tangible benefits of diplomatic engagement and commercial cooperation, positioning both Qatar Airways and Boeing for sustained growth in the years ahead.