Last week Qatar Airways announced the largest aircraft order in its history. This is also the largest widebody order in Boeing’s history and signals the Doha based carrier’s ambition and confidence in its long term growth strategy.
Qatar Airways Makes a Huge Boeing Order
The Qatari flag carrier announced a monumental order for up to 210 Boeing widebody jets, including 160 firm orders and 50 options, split between Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner and the next-generation 777-9. This marks the largest 787 Dreamliner order in Boeing’s history and significantly expands Qatar Airways’ commitment to its fleet modernization.
In announcing the order, Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, said:
“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. We’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that allows us to continue delivering our unmatched products and customer experience.”
Qatar Airways has ordered 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9 aircraft. The carrier also has options for 50 more aircraft split between the 787 and 777X. Prior to this announcement, Qatar Airways had 60 777-9 passenger jets and 34 777-8 Freighters on order.
The airline is expected to introduce its next generation QSuite on the 777-9 assuming those deliveries begin as expected in 2026, the 777X program timeline has slipped drastically over the last few years.
Stephanie Pope, CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, called the deal “record-breaking,” and praised Qatar Airways’ commitment to shaping the future of air travel, stating:
“Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade.”
GE Aerospace Also Gets a Massive Deal
Alongside the Boeing deal, Qatar Airways also confirmed the largest widebody engine purchase in GE Aerospace history, signing agreements for more than 400 engines—including 260 GEnx for the 787 and 60 GE9X for the 777-9. This order includes spares and options on top of the engines needed for the airline’s aircraft order.
When discussing the groundbreaking order, GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., said:
“We are extremely honored to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways. These engines are marvels of modern engineering, with the durability and reliability to power flight across the longest distances.”
In addition to the engine orders, Qatar Airways has signed service agreements with GE to cover maintenance and overhaul of the engines to ensure longevity and performance for decades to come.
Summary
Qatar Airways announced a massive order for 210 Boeing widebody aircraft last week. This is one of the largest single orders we’ve seen from a carrier and also came alongside a deal with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines to power the new planes.
Overall, Qatar Airways operates a relatively young fleet so the carrier is anticipating an extensive route expansion with an order of this size. Maybe we’ll see them in Austin one day!
(Images courtesy Qatar Airways)