In a landmark agreement, Qatar Airways has signed a deal with Boeing to purchase a staggering 160 jets, marking a significant milestone in the aviation industry. This historic signing occurred during the visit of former U.S. President Donald Trump to the Gulf Arab nation on May 14. The deal, valued at approximately $200 billion, was witnessed by both Trump and Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in Doha.
The agreement was announced during Trump's second stop on a diplomatic tour of Gulf states, following a series of successful negotiations with Saudi Arabia the day prior. Trump highlighted the significance of the deal, stating that Boeing's CEO, Kelly Ortberg, informed him that this transaction represents the largest order of jets in Boeing's history. Trump expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "It's over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that's fantastic. So that's a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there."
While the excitement surrounding the signing ceremony was palpable, specific details regarding which Boeing aircraft models would be included in the deal remain unclear. Additionally, it is uncertain whether the orders are firm—requiring a deposit and binding commitments—or if they are merely options. Boeing has shifted away from publishing catalog prices, but based on recent valuations, a deal for 160 units of the long-range 777X aircraft could be worth around $70 billion.
Aviation analysts suggest that airlines typically negotiate significant discounts for bulk orders such as this one, which could affect the final pricing. As of now, Boeing has not provided an immediate comment regarding the deal, and Qatar Airways has yet to respond to inquiries for clarification or further details.
This monumental agreement not only underscores Qatar Airways' commitment to expanding its fleet but also reflects the strong ties between Qatar and the United States in the aviation sector. As the aviation industry continues to recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic, this deal could play a crucial role in shaping the future landscape of global air travel.
Reporting contributed by Andrew Mills, with additional insights from Allison Lampert in Montreal and Tim Hepher in Paris. The article was crafted by Federico Maccioni and Yousef Saba, with editing by Mark Heinrich and Ros Russell.
