Qatar Airways Places Record-Breaking Boeing Order For Up To 210 Aircraft
ID 42186109 © Abhishek Singh | Dreamstime.com
Qatar Airways has just finalized the largest aircraft order in its history, placing a massive commitment with Boeing for up to 210 widebody jets. The landmark deal was signed in the presence of global leaders and marks a significant step in Qatar Airways’ fleet renewal and long-term growth strategy.
The Order Breakdown
At a signing ceremony attended by Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al Meer and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, the carrier announced:
-
160 firm orders:
-
130 Boeing 787s (including a mix of 787-9s and 787-10s)
-
30 Boeing 777-9s
-
-
50 additional purchase options, applicable to either the 787 or 777X families
The exact delivery timeline has not yet been disclosed.
Strategic Fleet Renewal & Growth
This order is a cornerstone of Qatar Airways’ plan to modernize its aging long-haul fleet, which includes:
-
64 Boeing 777s – many of which will be replaced by the new 777X
-
51 Boeing 787s – mostly older 787-8s averaging 10+ years
-
8 Airbus A380s – intended to be retired, but currently in use due to delays in 777X certification
-
A diverse narrowbody backlog, including 40 A321neos and 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s
Qatar Airways will use the new Dreamliners and 777Xs to replace older widebodies and expand its long-haul reach with more fuel-efficient and passenger-friendly aircraft.
A Competitive Edge
The 787-10 is expected to play a major role in high-capacity medium- to long-haul routes, offering more seats and lower unit costs, while the 787-9 brings longer range and versatility. As for the 777X, it’s set to become Qatar’s new flagship, potentially featuring a new first-class product.
Al Meer commented on the deal:
“We’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences.”
Political Optics
While the signing took place during President Trump’s Middle East visit, and was witnessed by both Trump and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the timing appears more ceremonial than causative. The deal has been in the works for months and follows years of strategic planning.
Bottom Line
Qatar Airways has placed a historic firm order for 160 Boeing aircraft, plus 50 additional options, representing a monumental investment in its future fleet. With 130 Dreamliners and 30 777Xs in the pipeline, the airline is positioning itself for sustained growth, enhanced efficiency, and greater passenger appeal.
This is not only the largest aircraft order in Qatar Airways’ history but also the largest widebody order in Boeing’s history—a clear sign of confidence in both the airline’s trajectory and the manufacturer’s long-term product lineup.
