Aircraft Deals During POTUS's 2025 Middle East Visit

‍DALLAS — POTUS's May 2025 Middle East tour has generated significant attention for the major aircraft deals announced during his visits to Qatar and Saudi Arabia. 

These agreements represent potential billions in commerce between American manufacturers and Middle Eastern entities. 

Qatar Airways' Historic Boeing Order

The most substantial aircraft deal announced during POTUS’s Middle East visit is a concrete, signed agreement between Qatar Airways (QR) and Boeing. During a formal signing ceremony in Doha on May 14, 2025, QR finalized what President Trump described as "the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing."

The agreement, worth over US$200 billion, encompasses purchasing 160 Boeing aircraft with an option for 50 more. The deal was signed during an official ceremony witnessed by President Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Boeing's CEO Kelly Ortberg was also present at the signing ceremony, with POTUS quoting the Boeing CEO confirming the deal was "the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing."

Indeed, Boeing posted that the agreement entails 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777X aircraft. The deal sets a record as the "largest wide-body order for Boeing and the largest order for Dreamliners," and QR's largest-ever order. Furthermore, Boeing says the oder will support nearly 400,000 jobs in the U.S.

This massive aircraft purchase emerged as part of a broader strengthening of US-Qatar relations during Trump's visit. Beyond aircraft, the countries finalized several bilateral agreements, including "expanded cooperation in defense."

The timing aligns with Qatar's strategic positioning as a global aviation hub through Doha, capitalizing on "a thriving travel market that connects key international locations.”

Qatar Airways also signed an agreement GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft. This marks the largest wide-body engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace. 

Saudi 737 MAX Aircraft Agreement

Saudi Arabia's aircraft leasing firm AviLease has established a binding commitment with Boeing, the first for the full-service commercial aircraft lessor based in Saudi Arabia.

According to Boeing's official statement, AviLease placed a "firm purchase order for 20 737-8 jets, with an option to buy 10 more,” thus indicating a legally binding agreement rather than a provisional commitment.

Several factors add to this deal's official status:

• AviLease is an established entity with substantial aviation market presence, owning or managing 200 aircraft leased to 48 airlines globally.
• The announcement coincided with Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg's presence in Saudi Arabia as part of POTUS's business delegation.
• Boeing's stock responded positively to the news, rising over 2%, indicating market confidence in the agreement's substantive nature.

For context, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had previously "vowed to invest US$600 billion in the U.S. over the next four years" in a call shortly after POTUS took office in January 2025.