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Qatar Airways takes off with single largest widebody aircraft order with $96 billion Boeing-GE mega deal

In a move during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Qatar, Qatar Airways has sealed a historic $96 billion agreement with Boeing and GE Aerospace for the purchase of 160 widebody aircraft and more than 400 engines—marking the biggest widebody aircraft and engine orders in the history of both companies.

Doha’s national carrier is set to redefine global aviation standards with its latest fleet expansion deal, which includes 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for 50 more. This agreement positions Qatar Airways as the largest Dreamliner operator in the Middle East and reinforces its commitment to a cleaner, more efficient, and younger fleet.

“This is not just about scale—it’s about strength,” said Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Group CEO of Qatar Airways, adding that the airline is investing in next-generation aircraft to match soaring demand and deliver unparalleled passenger experiences.

In tandem with the aircraft deal, GE Aerospace will supply over 400 engines—including 60 GE9X engines for the 777-9s and 260 GEnx engines for the Dreamliners—making it the largest widebody engine deal in the company’s history. Maintenance and service agreements are also part of the long-term commitment.

The strategic deal is expected to support nearly 400,000 jobs in the US and reflects deepening US-Qatar economic ties. Industry analyst Saj Ahmad called it a “political and commercial power play,” noting that Qatar is positioning itself to compete head-on with Emirates while capitalizing on the ongoing development of Hamad International Airport.

While speculation looms over whether Qatar Airways might phase out some of its Airbus A350s in favor of an all-Boeing fleet, analysts suggest that the move is part of a larger ambition to dominate regional and global skies.

As Boeing begins to recover from past setbacks—with China recently lifting a ban on deliveries—this deal marks a strong vote of confidence from one of the world’s most discerning airlines.

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