In a landmark agreement, Qatar has committed to purchasing 160 jets from U.S. aerospace giant Boeing, marking the largest single order in the company’s history. The deal, valued at $200 billion, was signed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s official visit to Doha, underscoring deepening economic ties between the two nations.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Trump, and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg. Trump lauded the agreement, stating, “It’s over $200 billion but 160 in terms of the jets, that’s fantastic. So that’s a record, Kelly, and congratulations to Boeing. Get those planes out there, get them out there.”
Beyond commercial aviation, the visit also saw the finalization of defense agreements, including Qatar’s acquisition of MQ-9B drones from the United States. These deals are part of a broader initiative to bolster Qatar’s military capabilities and enhance strategic cooperation between the two countries.
A notable highlight of the visit was Qatar’s offer of a $400 million luxury Boeing 747-8 aircraft to President Trump. Dubbed a “flying palace,” the aircraft boasts opulent features such as marble bathrooms, a bedroom suite, boardrooms, and lounges. Reports suggest that the plane, once equipped with secure communication systems, is intended to serve as the new Air Force One during Trump’s second term, before being transferred to his presidential library foundation by 2029.
The announcement of these jets deals has been met with both acclaim and skepticism. While the White House has touted over $2 trillion in agreements from Trump’s Gulf tour, analysts caution that many of these are non-binding memorandums of understanding. Reuters’ analysis indicates that the actual value of concrete agreements is closer to $730 billion, with some deals previously announced or unlikely to materialize.
Despite the controversies, the agreements signify a strengthening of U.S.-Qatar relations. Qatar, designated as a major non-NATO ally by the United States, continues to be a pivotal partner in the Gulf region, both economically and strategically.
President Trump’s Gulf tour, encompassing visits to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, has been characterized by significant economic and military agreements, reflecting his administration’s focus on transactional diplomacy and reinforcing alliances in the Middle East.
