Qatar Airways and US aircraft manufacturer Boeing have reached a historic deal valued at $200 billion, which includes the purchase of 160 jets. 

The deal was officially signed on Wednesday during a ceremony in Doha, with US President Donald Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in attendance.

Trump, who was on his second stop of a tour through Gulf nations, praised the monumental deal, saying, “It’s over $200 billion, but 160 jets, that’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there,” Trump said during the ceremony. Boeing’s CEO, Kelly Ortberg, and Qatar Airways’ CEO, Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, also participated in the signing, which marks a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the US and Qatar.

While the details of the aircraft models included in the deal have not been disclosed, it remains unclear whether the order is a firm commitment requiring a deposit or whether it is a series of options. Boeing’s most expensive model, the 777X, could make up a large portion of the order, which, based on the most recent catalogue prices, could be valued at around $70 billion. However, industry analysts suggest that airlines typically receive substantial discounts for bulk orders, which could affect the total value.

The deal was signed shortly after President Trump secured a series of agreements with Saudi Arabia on his first stop in the region. The $200 billion Qatar Airways-Boeing deal is seen as another major boost to US business interests in the Gulf.

As of now, both Boeing and Qatar Airways have not provided further comment on the specifics of the deal or the exact nature of the order, leaving industry observers eager for additional details.

Melissa Enoch

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