| U.S. President Donald J. Trump and Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al
Thani attend a signing ceremony at the Amiri Diwan, the official
workplace of the emir, on May 14, 2025, in Doha, Qatar. President Donald Trump announced that the Qatari government committed
to a $200 billion deal, purchasing 160 Boeing jets on Wednesday — in
the “largest order of jets in the history of Boeing.”
The deal was the second leg of President Trump’s visit to the Middle
East, after previously inking a massive $600 billion investment with
Saudi Arabia.
“It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms for the jets, that’s
fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get
those plans out there, get them out there,” Trump stated, referencing
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg.
“Working together, we can help the entire region unlock its
potential,” Trump told Sheik Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of
Qatar. “You have unbelievable potential here, such great, such rich
land, such beautiful, magnificent – it’s just a magnificent place, and
you’re unlocking its potential.”
A White House fact sheet revealed that the agreement includes “up to”
210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777x aircraft, marking Boeing’s
“largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order.”
“This historic agreement will support 154,000 U.S. jobs annually,
totaling over 1 million jobs in the United States during the course of
production and delivery of this deal,” the fact sheet continued.
Meanwhile, Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer emphasized that
the deal 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,” he
added.
The deal also follows after President Trump accepted a luxurious Boeing 747-8 from Qatar, said to be worth around $400 million.
Trump defended his decision to defend the gift in an interview with Fox News‘ Sean Hannity on Tuesday.
“Some people say, ‘Oh, you shouldn’t accept gifts for the country.’
My attitude is, why wouldn’t I accept a gift?” Trump stated. “We’re
giving to everybody else, why wouldn’t I accept a gift? Because it’s
going to be a couple of years, I think, before the Boeings are
finished.”
In his first term, Trump ordered Boeing to construct two new jets to
replace the current fleet of Presidential Air Force 1 jets. However, due
to various delays, the first plane is now expected to be delivered in
2027, with the second following in 2028. These delays have led to
increased costs and frustration within the Trump administration.
“They’re way behind,” Trump continued. “Another mess that I inherited
from Biden, and it’s going to be a while before we get them.”
The deal also includes an outline of $38 billion in potential
investments with the “intent to further strengthen our security
partnership,” including “support for burden-sharing at Al Udeid Air Base
and future defense capabilities to air defense and maritime security.”
“Today’s announcement builds on yesterday’s $600 billion investment commitment secured in Saudi Arabia,” the White House added.
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