Doha: Qatar’s aviation sector is taking a momentous leap forward with the landmark aircraft agreement signed by the national carrier Qatar Airways and the American firm Boeing.
The historic deal not only reinforces Qatar Airways’ fleet expansion and international ambitions but also significantly advances Boeing’s leadership in the widebody market, remarked Omar Arekat, Vice President, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales for the Middle East and Africa.
Speaking to The Peninsula, Arekat said, “This landmark agreement represents a significant boost to Boeing’s global commercial aviation strategy.”
According to Boeing, the order is expected to support around 400,000 jobs across the United States, delivering a substantial boost to the American manufacturing economy.
The official highlighted that this move reflects a broader industry shift toward next-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft and underscores Qatar’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable aviation in line with its national development goals.
“As Boeing’s largest-ever widebody order, which also sets the largest 787 Dreamliner order, it underscores the company’s leadership in the long-haul and widebody airplane market,” he said
The deal signed by Qatar Airways and Boeing on Wednesday involves the purchase of up to 210 widebody aircraft, including 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X jets, and options for an additional 50 jets across the 787 and 777X families.
It also underlines Boeing’s focus on supporting airline partners with advanced, sustainable aircraft. The 787 Dreamliner offers a 25 percent fuel-efficiency improvement over the aircraft it replaces. Meanwhile, the 777-9 is set to become the world’s largest and most efficient twin-engine jet, delivering similar gains in fuel savings and emissions reduction.
“Furthermore, this deal highlights Boeing’s strategic focus on supporting major airlines in expanding their fleets with modern, sustainable airplanes,” Arekat noted. “It underscores the company’s ability to meet evolving industry demands while reinforcing its role in driving global aerospace exports.”
Beyond fleet expansion, the order deepens Boeing’s long-standing ties with Qatar and the broader Gulf region. Arekat emphasised the strategic importance of this relationship, noting the launch of Boeing Aerospace Doha in 2024—a key initiative aimed at enhancing Qatar’s aerospace capabilities through research, technology, and workforce development.
“This agreement strengthens Boeing’s enduring relationship with Qatar, exemplified by the establishment of Boeing Aerospace Doha in 2024,” said Arekat.
He further added, “Qatar Airways’ commitment to expanding its Boeing fleet, including being a launch customer for the Boeing 777-8F and one of the launch customers for the 777X, highlights the depth of collaboration between the two entities.”
The Gulf region continues to be a focal point for global aviation growth, and this latest partnership reflects Boeing’s commitment to supporting regional partners through advanced aerospace solutions and long-term economic development initiatives.
