According to Bloomberg, Qatar Airways is about to announce a significant Boeing widebody aircraft order during President Donald Trump’s Middle East visit. According to the news source, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are all planning to announce investments during the US president’s May 13, 2025, visit.
According to Bloomberg, the “final touches” were being worked out on an order for Qatar Airways that would see the airline acquire about 100 Boeing widebody aircraft, with an additional 100 options. It was believed that those with knowledge of the process had informed them of the impending agreement.
Thierry Antinori, the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Qatar Airways, told Reuters on March 4, 2025, that negotiations were underway for a new aircraft contract. “Our CEO is working on the RFP (request for proposal) with the aircraft manufacturer to place a big order soon in order to secure the growth of tomorrow by continuing to have a very strong and best fleet in the industry,” Antinori stated at the time.
The Qatar Airways executive would not, however, comment on whether a possible agreement with Airbus, Boeing, or both was imminent. Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, the de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, will be the first person President Trump meets with during his trip. After that, the president will go to the United Arab Emirates to meet with Emirati President Mohammed Bin Zayed and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
