Qatar Airways Set to Order 200 Boeing and Airbus Widebodies
Qatar Airways is preparing to place a significant order for widebody aircraft to support its future growth plans. While the exact number of Airbus aircraft in this order hasn’t been disclosed, Qatar Airways has previously indicated interest in acquiring up to 200 widebody jets, potentially split between Airbus and Boeing, coinciding with President Donald Trump’s high-profile visit to the Middle East.
According to Bloomberg, final negotiations on the multi-billion-dollar purchase were being wrapped up as Trump prepared to meet Gulf leaders in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in mid-May 2025. The order would represent one of the largest widebody deals in recent commercial aviation history and would underscore Qatar Airways’ commitment to maintaining a modern, fuel-efficient fleet.
People familiar with the discussions told Bloomberg that the carrier’s leadership had narrowed its request for proposals to Boeing, although Airbus remained a contender earlier in the process. Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori publicly acknowledged in March that the airline’s chief executive was “working on the RFP with the aircraft manufacturer to place a big order soon,” without confirming a specific manufacturer or order size. The Bloomberg report suggests those plans are now crystalizing around Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 models to support projected growth on long-haul routes.
The timing of the anticipated announcement appears strategic. President Trump’s trip, planned to begin in Saudi Arabia before continuing to Qatar and the UAE, is expected to include both trade and investment agreements. Gulf states have lined up major declarations to coincide with his arrival, from energy deals in Riyadh to aviation commitments in Abu Dhabi. For Qatar Airways, securing an order for up to 200 Boeing widebodies—100 firm and 100 options—would signal enduring ties with the United States and reinforce Hamad International Airport’s status as a global hub.
The potential purchase comes at a time when Qatar Airways is phasing in cutting-edge aircraft to replace older widebodies. The airline currently operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 777 classics, 777-300ERs and a growing number of 787 Dreamliners. Adding the new 777-9s and 787-10s would boost capacity on routes to Europe, Asia and the Americas, including a recently expanded service to Toronto and plans to increase frequencies to São Paulo. Industry analysts note that Qatar’s rapid network growth and rising passenger volumes require significant additional lift, especially on ultra-long flights where fuel efficiency is paramount.
In addition to the aircraft already in its fleet, Qatar Airways also has 163 passenger jets on order, though many of these are narrow body aircraft. These orders are comprised of:
- 40 Airbus A321neos and 10 Airbus A321LRs
- 18 Airbus A350-1000s
- 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s
- 60 Boeing 777-9s
- 10 Boeing 787-9s
Financing for such a large order will likely involve a combination of leaseback arrangements, export credit financing and possible government support. Gulf carriers often structure their aircraft acquisitions to mitigate capital outlay and hedge currency risks. For Boeing, securing an order of this size from a leading Middle Eastern airline would help offset delivery delays and cancellations caused by supply chain disruptions in Everett and North Charleston.
The current state of Qatar Airways’ fleet renewal includes a mix of Airbus and Boeing jets:
- Narrow body fleet currently consists of 28 Airbus A320s, and those will be replaced by A321neos and 737 MAX 10s; that fleet will grow considerably, but it will take time, and rumor has it that the MAX order may be canceled as part of a larger Boeing order
- 58 Airbus A350 family aircraft, and this seems to be the carrier’s favorite aircraft, which will be flying for years to come
- 51 Boeing 787s, though they’re a mixed bag, with the majority being 787-8s that are already an average of 10 years old
- 64 Boeing 777s, and those will eventually be retired, and replaced by newer generation aircraft, including the 777X
- 8 Airbus A380s, which the airline initially intended to retire, but they were brought back due to A350 issues, plus delays with 777X certification
It certainly looks like Qatar Airways needs a lot of new jets. While narrow body fleet renewal is taken care of, Qatar Airways needs to order more jets to replace existing 777s, A380s, and eventually the older 787-8s.
If confirmed during Trump’s visit, the deal would mark another coup for Boeing after similar announcements by Emirates and Lufthansa in recent years. It would also reaffirm Qatar Airways’ aggressive growth strategy under CEO Akbar Al Baker, who has repeatedly stressed the importance of operating the world’s most advanced fleet. Passengers on Qatar Airways’ award-winning Qsuite business class and newly revamped economy cabins would benefit from the latest cabin innovations and improved range.
As details emerge, airlines and lessors will watch closely for the final breakdown of firm orders versus options, anticipated delivery slots and financing terms. For now, the prospect of a 100-aircraft Boeing order during a high-profile state visit captures the intersection of geopolitics and commercial aviation, highlighting how air travel remains a critical arena for international partnerships and strategic influence.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=Qatar+Airways, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/aircraft-finance/
Sources: airguide.info, bing.com, bloomberg.com, QatarAirways.com