Middle East Boeing Total Orders Secured During Trump’s 2025 Tour

During U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East tour from May 13 to May 16, 2025, Boeing secured one of the largest series of commercial aircraft deals in its history, with orders totaling 268 aircraft and an estimated combined value of $115.3 billion.

These landmark agreements were part of a broader set of commercial and defense deals across the region, totaling over $2 trillion, covering sectors such as aviation, defense technology, and infrastructure.

Qatar Airways Leads with a Record-Breaking Order

The most significant deal came from Qatar Airways, which placed an order for up to 210 wide-body Boeing aircraft—among the largest ever of its kind. The deal includes:

• 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
• 30 Boeing 777-9s
• Options for an additional 50 aircraft, either 787s or 777Xs
• Over 403 aerospace engines to power the fleet, marking the largest engine order in aerospace history

The White House valued this deal at $96 billion, although President Trump initially claimed the figure was closer to $200 billion. The deal is expected to support between 154,000 and 400,000 jobs in the United States.

AVI Lease and Etihad airways Add to the Momentum

Adding to Boeing’s windfall, AVI Lease, a Saudi Arabian leasing firm, ordered 13 Boeing 737 MAX 8 narrow-body aircraft, with a commitment to purchase 20 more and options for an additional 10. This deal is valued at around $4.8 billion.

Another key player, Etihad airways, placed an order for 28 wide-body aircraft, including the Boeing 777-9 and 787-9, in a deal worth approximately $14.5 billion.

These three deals combined bring Boeing’s total orders during the visit to:

• 210 aircraft from Qatar Airways
• 34 aircraft from AVI Lease (including commitments and options)
• 28 aircraft from Etihad airways

A Critical Turning Point for Boeing

These announcements come at a pivotal moment for Boeing, which has faced mounting challenges in recent years. The company has been dealing with delays and quality issues related to key products like the Boeing 737 MAX and the Boeing 777X, both of which had yet to be fully delivered or certified at the time.

However, the strong demand from Middle Eastern buyers, particularly following President Trump’s visit, represents a critical turning point for the aerospace giant. These deals are seen as restoring market confidence and revitalizing Boeing’s commercial aircraft program.

777X Testing Boosts Confidence

The Boeing 777X program, in particular, has seen positive progress in testing, which has contributed to the growing number of new orders. The aircraft, combined with its advanced GE9X engine, is now receiving stronger interest than before. As a result, Middle Eastern carriers are increasingly focused on Boeing products for their future fleet development.

Political Significance and Concerns

These high-profile agreements also carry significant political weight, reflecting President Trump’s broader focus on economic diplomacy and job creation during his administration. However, they have not been without controversy. The scale and scope of these deals have raised questions about potential conflicts of interest, given past Trump Organization business ties in the region.

Conclusion

Boeing’s multi-billion-dollar orders during President Trump’s Middle East tour represent more than just a commercial win—they mark a resurgence of confidence in the company’s product lineup and a renewed strategic partnership with key players in the Middle East. As Boeing looks to recover from recent setbacks, these deals may very well pave the way for a stronger future.