DOHA- Qatari flag carrier, Qatar Airways (QR), is finalizing a landmark order for approximately 100 Boeing widebody aircraft, with options for an additional 100, according to Bloomberg News.
This deal is set to be unveiled during U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East tour starting May 13, 2025, which includes a stop in Doha (DOH).
The order focuses on Boeing’s 777X and 787 models, reflecting the airline’s need to modernize its fleet and meet rising demand for long-haul travel through its hub at Hamad International Airport (DOH).
Photo: Clément AlloingQatar Airways Boeing Order
The airline’s decision comes as global demand for widebody jets outpaces supply, with delivery slots for new aircraft booked well into the 2030s.
By securing this order, Qatar Airways (QR) aims to replace its aging Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 fleets while supplementing its 787 and A350 operations.
The deal also aligns with the carrier’s ambition to maintain one of the industry’s most advanced and efficient fleets, as stated by Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori in March 2025, when he hinted at a forthcoming “big order” to support future growth.
Negotiations are reportedly in their final stages, with Qatar Airways (QR) leveraging its position to secure favorable terms, including flexible delivery schedules and pricing, amid Boeing’s ongoing challenges with 777X certification delays.
The certification, initially expected in 2020, is now slated for 2026, adding uncertainty to delivery timelines. Despite these hurdles, Qatar Airways’ (QR) confidence in Boeing underscores the strategic importance of this partnership for both parties.
Photo: By Riik@mctr – Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=96292445Current Fleet Composition
As of May 2025, Qatar Airways (QR) operates a diverse fleet of approximately 220 passenger aircraft, serving 180 destinations across 86 countries from its Doha (DOH) hub, OMAAT reported.. The fleet includes:
- Narrowbody: 28 Airbus A320s, set to be replaced by 40 Airbus A321neos, 10 Airbus A321LRs, and 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s.
- Widebody: 58 Airbus A350s (mix of A350-900s and A350-1000s), 51 Boeing 787s (primarily 787-8s, averaging 10 years old), 64 Boeing 777s, and 8 Airbus A380s.
- Orders: 163 aircraft on order, including 18 Airbus A350-1000s, 40 Boeing 777-9s, and 10 Boeing 787-9s, alongside the narrowbody commitments.
The Boeing 777s and A380s, critical to high-capacity routes like London Heathrow (LHR) to Doha (DOH), are nearing the end of their service life. The A380s, temporarily reinstated due to A350 groundings and 777X delays, are slated for retirement once newer aircraft arrive.
The 787-8s, while efficient, are aging, prompting consideration of newer 787-9 or 787-10 variants for increased capacity and range.
Photo: By Julian Herzog, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39200602Aircraft Selection: 777X And/Or 787
The forthcoming order will likely include a mix of Boeing 777X and 787 aircraft, tailored to Qatar Airways’ (QR) operational needs. The 777X, comprising the 777-8 and 777-9 variants, is Boeing’s next-generation widebody, designed for high capacity and long-range routes.
With 40 Boeing 777-9s already on order, Qatar Airways (QR) views the 777X as its future flagship, potentially featuring a new first-class product to enhance its premium offerings. However, certification delays, now projected for 2026, pose risks to delivery schedules.
The Boeing 787, available in 787-9 and 787asc 787-10 variants, offers operational flexibility for medium- to long-haul routes.
Qatar Airways (QR) currently operates 51 787s, primarily 787-8s, with 10 787-9s on order. The 787-10, with greater capacity and range, could be a strong candidate for this order, aligning with the airline’s high-density routes like Doha (DOH) to London (LHR) or Bangkok (BKK).
The choice between 777X and 787 will hinge on route-specific needs, delivery timelines, and Boeing’s ability to offer competitive pricing amid certification challenges.
A balanced order—potentially 60–70% 777X and 30–40% 787s—would provide Qatar Airways (QR) with versatility to replace older 777s and A380s while refreshing its 787 fleet.
Photo: Qatar AirwaysPolitical Significance
The timing of the order coincides with President Trump’s Middle East visit, starting in Saudi Arabia, followed by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Bloomberg reports that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE are aligning major aviation and defense investments to strengthen ties with the U.S. administration.
For Qatar Airways (QR), the Boeing order not only addresses operational needs but also serves as a diplomatic gesture, reinforcing economic partnerships ahead of meetings with Qatar’s Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
This deal positions Qatar Airways (QR) to capitalize on a booming travel market, with its Doha (DOH) hub connecting 180 destinations.
The airline’s record-breaking profits, as announced by CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer in April 2025, further support its capacity for this investment, ensuring long-term competitiveness against regional rivals like Emirates and Etihad.
Future Outlook
Qatar Airways’ (QR) prospective order for up to 200 Boeing jets marks a pivotal step in its fleet modernization strategy. By securing 777X and 787 aircraft, the airline aims to phase out older models, enhance fuel efficiency, and elevate passenger experience with advanced cabin designs, including a potential new first-class product on the 777X.
The deal, if finalized, will solidify Qatar Airways’ (QR) position as a global leader in aviation, leveraging its Doha (DOH) hub to meet growing demand for international travel.
Boeing’s ability to navigate certification delays and deliver on time will be critical to the success of this partnership. For Qatar Airways (QR), the order represents a bold commitment to growth, underpinned by strategic foresight and financial strength, as it prepares for a transformative decade in aviation.
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