Boeing and GE Aerospace Secure $96 Billion Mega Deal with Qatar Airways
In a landmark agreement hailed as Boeing’s largest-ever widebody aircraft order, Qatar Airways has signed a deal worth up to $96 billion with Boeing and GE Aerospace to purchase up to 210 new aircraft. The announcement was made during a high-profile state visit by President Donald Trump to Doha, where the agreement was formalized in the presence of Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar’s Emir at the Amiri Diwan.
The deal includes the advanced 787 Dreamliner and 777X models, both of which will be powered by GE Aerospace engines. According to the White House, the agreement marks Boeing’s biggest order for the 787 and its largest widebody aircraft deal in history.
Job Creation and Economic Impact
A White House fact sheet outlined the scale of the economic impact the deal is expected to generate. Over 154,000 American jobs will be supported annually throughout the production and delivery cycle of the aircraft, amounting to over one million U.S. jobs in total. The announcement is a major boost for Boeing, which has been facing numerous challenges in recent years.
A Much-Needed Win for Boeing
This massive order could not have come at a more critical time for Boeing. The aerospace giant has not recorded a profit since 2018, and it continues to wrestle with fallout from safety concerns, manufacturing flaws, delays in aircraft certification, and supply chain disruptions. The long-awaited 777X jetliner, which is part of the deal, remains uncertified and years behind schedule. Nevertheless, Boeing has recently made progress in reducing its financial losses and continues to address a $500 billion backlog in orders.
Kelly Ortberg, appearing with President Trump at the signing ceremony, emphasized the significance of the order, calling it a turning point for the company. “It’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing,” Trump added.
Strategic Expansion for Qatar Airways
For Qatar Airways, the deal represents a major strategic expansion. The airline currently operates a fleet of 233 aircraft, and the new additions would nearly double its size. This move positions Qatar Airways for long-term global growth, especially as international travel demand continues to rebound.
Political Tensions and Criticism
The deal has not been without controversy. It follows Qatar’s controversial gift of a luxury Boeing 747 to the U.S. government, intended to serve as the new Air Force One. Critics, including both Democrats and some Republicans, have raised concerns over the ethics and constitutionality of the gift, questioning its potential influence on U.S. foreign policy.
Despite the political noise, this agreement stands as a historic moment for the aviation industry, signaling renewed confidence in Boeing’s future and reinforcing Qatar Airways’ position as a dominant force in global air travel.
