Qatar Airways Prepares Mega Order for Boeing Aircraft During Trump’s Visit to Persian Gulf
The visit of U.S. President Donald Trump to the Persian Gulf promises to bring a wave of commercial agreements, and Qatar Airways is poised to take center stage with a massive aircraft order. The Qatari airline is finalizing details to acquire approximately 100 wide-body Boeing jets, with an option to double the purchase, according to sources close to the negotiations who spoke to Bloomberg.
A Presidential Trip with Strategic Implications
Trump’s tour, which begins on May 13, has sparked a race among the region’s largest airlines—particularly in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—to secure strategic deals with U.S. companies. These negotiations are not limited to aviation but also span defense, infrastructure, and technology, with estimated investments that could reach $3 trillion, far surpassing the $400 billion announced during his 2017 visit.
For Gulf governments, these commitments are a clear gesture of political alignment with the White House, while for Trump, they represent an opportunity to reinforce his image as a high-caliber negotiator.
A Boeing 747 Formerly Owned by Qatar’s Ex-Prime Minister Enters the Scene
A curious element of this trip is the potential use of a luxurious Boeing 747 once owned by a former Qatari prime minister, which Trump inspected in February. The aircraft is currently in San Antonio, Texas, and could serve as a temporary solution amid delays in the refurbishment of Air Force One, managed by Boeing.
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A Boost for Boeing
Boeing, which has faced recent pressures due to tariffs imposed by Trump—leading to reduced orders from China—could benefit significantly from this Gulf-driven momentum. The U.S. manufacturer is also competing with Airbus, its longtime European rival, which has sought to secure deals with airlines like Qatar Airways and Riyadh Air.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE Also Make Moves
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new airline, is in talks to acquire up to 50 wide-body aircraft. While Boeing is the frontrunner, Airbus has gained ground following the recent visit of its CEO, Guillaume Faury, to Riyadh.
Meanwhile, Emirates—the world’s largest buyer of Boeing aircraft—could finalize new orders for 777X jets during the Dubai Air Show, while Flydubai is evaluating the purchase of hundreds of 737 models. Flydubai and Qatar Airways are also in discussions to acquire around 70 General Electric engines, which power the 787 Dreamliner.
What About Airbus?
Although Qatar Airways has shown interest in expanding its fleet of Airbus A350-1000s, any official announcement regarding this potential purchase would likely come at events like the Paris Air Show in June or the Dubai Air Show later this year.
Inflated Expectations, Commitments Pending Confirmation
As with previous visits, announcements are expected to include a mix of new sales, preliminary agreements, and already-known operations. While the figures may seem staggering, some of these commitments will not be binding, sources cautioned.
All eyes are on Doha. If Qatar finalizes the Boeing order, it would mark a new chapter in the commercial relationship between the two nations and solidify Qatar Airways as one of the most influential players in the global aviation landscape.
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