Boeing Lands Historic $96 Billion Jet Deal with Qatar

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Boeing has secured a monumental deal with Qatar for up to 210 aircraft, a transaction the White House hails as the aircraft manufacturer’s “largest-ever” widebody order, valued at $96 billion. The announcement comes amid a series of high-profile economic agreements between the U.S. and Qatar, totaling over $243 billion.

Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, downplayed controversy over President Donald Trump’s plan to use a Boeing 747-8 as Air Force One. Speaking to CNN, he clarified that the move is a “government-to-government transaction,” not a personal gift to Trump.

Despite bipartisan criticism over the optics of the jet transfer—particularly Trump’s intention to later donate it to his presidential library—the White House framed the deal as another victory for Trump’s economic diplomacy, calling him the “dealmaker in chief.”

Boeing confirmed the order includes 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9 aircraft, with options for 50 more jets. Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, expressed gratitude, calling the agreement a “record-breaking order” that will strengthen Qatar Airways’ future fleet.

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The deal provides a crucial boost for Boeing, which has struggled with production setbacks, including a major strike and safety issues in 2024. Despite the recent turbulence, Boeing’s stock rose slightly after the announcement.

However, broader concerns linger. Tariffs under Trump’s “Liberation Day” trade policy could raise jet production costs significantly. Meanwhile, the administration is leveraging aircraft orders as bargaining chips in trade talks, as seen in a recent $10 billion commitment from IAG.

The Qatar agreement is part of a larger diplomatic and economic push across the Middle East, with Trump’s delegation also finalizing defense deals and preparing for further negotiations in the United Arab Emirates.