Boeing has landed two significant aircraft orders in the Middle East during President Donald Trump’s visit to the region.
The U.S. aerospace company confirmed a \$96 billion deal with Qatar, just a day after announcing an order from a Saudi Arabian firm for 20 737-8 jets, with an option for 10 more.
The Qatar agreement includes Boeing’s 787 and 777X jets and marks the largest order for 787s and wide-body aircraft in the company’s history.
“That’s pretty good,” Trump said while revealing the deal. “Get those planes out there.”
This week has been particularly strong for Boeing. Several news reports say China lifted its ban on airlines receiving Boeing deliveries earlier in the week, following a trade truce with the U.S.
Boeing had already been making headlines in the Middle East, though for a different reason.
Trump drew criticism after saying he would accept a luxury Boeing 747-8 jumbo jet as a gift from Qatar’s ruling family. Critics, including Democrats and ethics experts, raised concerns about the cost, potential security risks, and whether the gift violates the U.S. Constitution’s ban on accepting gifts from foreign governments.
Donald Trump signals to the reportersTrump did not present any urgent national security reason for needing the plane instead of waiting for the new Air Force One jets already being developed.
Since 2019, Boeing has suffered more than \$35 billion in losses after two Max jet crashes that killed 346 people.
Earlier this year, a panel came off a 737 Max shortly after takeoff in Portland, Oregon. Last year, a strike by union machinists halted production and affected deliveries.
Despite its challenges, Boeing’s stock hit its highest point in over a year on Wednesday, marking five consecutive days of gains for the company based in Arlington, Virginia.