Qatar Airways Makes Two Historic Deals

On 15 May, Qatar Airways announced record-breaking orders with Boeing and GE Aerospace, aligning with the airline’s strategic fleet growth plans. The impressive deals were announced during US President Donald Trump’s visit with His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar, coming soon after rumours erupted that Qatar will be gifting the American leader a 747-8.

Summary

Largest Widebody Order for Boeing Largest Widebody Engine Order for GE Aerospace About Qatar

Qatar Airways Boeing 787 Dreamliner — Qatar Airways B787 Dreamliner © Wolfgang Weiser

Largest Widebody Order for Boeing

As part of Qatar Airways’ long-term plans to expand their fleet, the carrier has placed a historical order with manufacturing partner, Boeing. The order includes up to two-hundred-and-ten Boeing widebody jets, comprised of one-hundred-and-thirty 787 Dreamliners, thirty 777-9 planes, and options for fifty additional Boeing 787 and 777-9 aircraft. This is the largest widebody and 787 Dreamliner order that Boeing has received, allowing Qatar Airways to surpass records and operate the most Dreamliners in the Middle East.

Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Chief Executive Officer at Qatar Airways said:

“We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest widebody aircraft order in Boeing’s history and the biggest aircraft order in our history. This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest and most efficient fleet in global aviation. This is so we can meet the strong demand in the airline as we seamlessly connect passengers to the world better than anyone.”

“After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order – we’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our partners at Boeing for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together.”

Stephanie Pope, President and Chief Executive Officer at Boeing Commercial Airplanes, has also commented:

“We are deeply honoured that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its centre. Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”

Largest Widebody Engine Order for GE Aerospace

Qatar Airways has also signed an agreement with partner, GE Aerospace, for over four-hundred engines to power this immense fleet. The order includes sixty GE9X and two-hundred-and-sixty GEnx engines, along with service agreements and spares. This makes up the largest widebody engine purchase in GE Aerospace history.

Badr Mohammed Al-Meer has also addressed the deal and how it will impact Qatar Airways’ future growth, stating:

“Our latest agreement with GE Aerospace reflects our confidence in the performance of the GE9X and GEnx engines to power our fleet of Boeing 777-9 and 787 aircraft. These next-generation engines are critical components in our strategy to ensure our fleet remains modern and efficient. Qatar Airways has ambitious plans for the future, and we value our continued partnership with GE Aerospace and their commitment to supporting our operational needs.”

Henry Lawrence Culp, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GE Aerospace, commented:

“We are extremely honoured to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest ever widebody engine deal. Our widebody engines – the GE9X and GEnx – are marvels of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances. We appreciate President Trump’s support for this historic agreement.”

Rear view of a GEnx engine © Olivier Cleynen

About Qatar

Headquartered in Doha at Hamad International Airport (DOH), Qatar Airways offers flights to over one-hundred-and-seventy destinations around the world. The carrier has been awarded with the title ‘World’s Best Airline’ eight times by Skytrax, presenting their commitment to global connectivity, continuous improvement, and high-quality customer experience.

Qatar Airways prides itself on their innovation, with their new record-breaking orders being the latest step in striving for increased operational efficiency combined with sustainability. Qatar Airways has steadily maintained their care for the environment, notably being the first airline to be certified to the industry standard for the prevention of illegal wildlife trafficking.

What are your thoughts on Qatar Airways’ historic orders, and how do you think they will impact the airline’s development? Let us know.