Trump Witnesses $200B Boeing Deal in Qatar for 160 Jets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Qatar Airways signed a landmark agreement to purchase 160 jets from Boeing during President Donald Trump’s state visit to Doha. Valued at over $200 billion, the deal is being touted as the largest aircraft order in Boeing’s history. Trump, alongside Qatar’s emir and Boeing’s CEO, called the transaction “fantastic” for U.S. industry and global aviation.
Qatar Boeing Deal Quick Looks
- Deal signed in Doha during President Trump’s second Gulf state stop
- 160 Boeing aircraft included in the agreement, according to Trump
- Valued at $200 billion, touted as Boeing’s largest-ever order
- Signed by Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer
- Trump: “Get those planes out there, get them flying”
- Unclear aircraft models and whether orders are firm or optional
- Estimated value of 160 Boeing 777X aircraft would be ~$70B
- Airlines often receive discounts on bulk orders, analysts note
- Boeing and Qatar Airways have not provided further comment
- Trump continues Gulf tour, following deals with Saudi Arabia
Deep Look: Boeing Lands Historic Jet Deal in Qatar During Trump Visit
DOHA, Qatar – May 14, 2025 – In a historic agreement witnessed by U.S. President Donald Trump, Qatar Airways and Boeing signed a massive jet order on Wednesday, marking a milestone in aerospace trade and American foreign investment diplomacy.
The deal, which Trump claimed was worth over $200 billion, includes 160 Boeing aircraft, though the specific models and terms remain undisclosed. It was signed during a formal ceremony in Doha, attended by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, and Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer.
“It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets — that’s fantastic,” said Trump. “So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there.”
Trump framed the deal as a significant achievement for American manufacturing and a testament to U.S.-Qatari cooperation, especially amid growing efforts to secure foreign investment and bolster domestic industries.
A Record-Breaking Deal?
Although Trump described it as Boeing’s largest aircraft order ever, it remains unclear which aircraft models are included, and whether the orders are firm commitments — which typically involve deposits and enforceable contracts — or optional reservations.
Boeing has ceased publishing catalog prices, but based on the most recently available figures, 160 of its most expensive model, the 777X, would amount to around $70 billion. However, aviation analysts point out that bulk discounts are common, and real deal values are often significantly lower than list prices.
As of publication, Boeing declined to comment, and Qatar Airways has not yet issued a public clarification or breakdown of the order.
Strategic Timing Amid Trump’s Gulf Tour
The agreement came during Trump’s second stop on his Middle East tour, following a day of headline-making announcements and economic deals in Saudi Arabia. The president is expected to continue his trip to the United Arab Emirates later this week, with further investment deals anticipated.
The Doha signing serves multiple strategic aims:
- Strengthening U.S.-Qatar economic ties
- Highlighting Trump’s “America First” trade agenda
- Demonstrating Gulf states’ commitment to U.S. partnerships despite regional political complexities
Trump has consistently promoted private sector dealmaking as a pillar of his international diplomacy — with this announcement helping underscore his approach of leveraging personal diplomacy to achieve high-value economic outcomes.
What’s Next?
- Job creation and production increases for Boeing in the U.S.
- Fleet modernization for Qatar Airways
- Deeper integration between Gulf economies and the U.S. aerospace sector
Whether this deal marks a shift in Middle East aviation policy or simply a headline moment during Trump’s trip remains to be seen.
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