Trump’s Middle East Visit Secures Boeing Orders for Nearly 200 Aircraft

Trump’s Middle East Visit Secures Boeing Orders for Nearly 200 Aircraft

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — May 13, 2025 — U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tour of the Middle East has culminated in a significant commercial triumph for Boeing, as the American aerospace company secured orders for nearly 200 aircraft from leading regional airlines. The agreements, announced during Trump’s visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, represent a substantial boost to U.S. manufacturing and aviation exports, reinforcing Boeing’s position in the global aerospace market.

Major Agreements with Saudi Arabia and Qatar

The initial phase of the trip in Riyadh saw Boeing finalize a deal with Saudi Arabian carriers for up to 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets. This momentum was further amplified in Doha, where Qatar Airways placed a historic order for up to 210 aircraft, including the largest single purchase of Boeing 787 Dreamliners ever recorded. These deals underscore the growing demand for modern, fuel-efficient aircraft in the Middle East, as regional airlines seek to expand and modernize their fleets.

Qatar Airways’ Record-Breaking Dreamliner Order

At a high-profile signing ceremony attended by President Trump, Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, and Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, the Gulf carrier committed to acquiring 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. This order not only marks the largest 787 purchase in Boeing’s history but also establishes Qatar Airways as the foremost Dreamliner operator in the Middle East.

In addition to the Dreamliners, the agreement includes 30 Boeing 777-9 widebody jets, with options for an additional 50 aircraft spanning the 787 and 777X families. This strategic acquisition aligns with Qatar Airways’ objective to modernize its fleet with next-generation aircraft that offer enhanced fuel efficiency and operational performance.

Engr. Al-Meer emphasized the significance of the deal, stating, “We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways as we invest in the cleanest, youngest, and most efficient fleet in global aviation to meet strong demand and connect passengers worldwide.”

Boeing executives accompanying President Trump described the agreement as a landmark achievement. Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, remarked, “We are deeply honored that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its center.”

Implications for Boeing and the Middle East Aviation Sector

The substantial orders secured during President Trump’s diplomatic outreach highlight the commercial benefits of strengthened U.S.-Middle East relations. While reactions from competitors and the broader market were not detailed, the scale of Qatar Airways’ commitment is expected to reinforce Boeing’s dominance in the widebody aircraft segment globally.

These agreements position Boeing to deliver hundreds of new aircraft to Middle Eastern carriers over the coming years, supporting American manufacturing employment and advancing the region’s ambitions to expand its aviation infrastructure and connectivity.