Qatar Airways signs deal for 160 Boeing jets during Trump visit in tour of Gulf states
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US President Donald Trump (second from left), Qatar’s Emir Tamim Hamad Al-Thani (third from left) and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg (far left) attending a signing ceremony in Doha, Qatar.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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DOHA – State carrier Qatar Airways signed a deal on May 14 to purchase jets from US manufacturer Boeing, during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf Arab country.
He said the deal was worth US$200 billion (S$260 billion) and included 160 jets.
Mr Trump and Qatar’s Emir, Sheikh Tamim Hamad Al-Thani, witnessed the signing ceremony in Doha.
The deal was signed during Mr Trump’s second stop on a tour of Gulf states
Mr Trump said Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg, who signed the deal with Qatar Airways CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer next to Mr Trump and the Qatari Emir, told him “it’s the largest order of jets in the history of Boeing – that’s pretty good”.
The US President added: “It’s over US$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.”
It is not clear which Boeing aircraft models would be part of the deal and whether the orders from Qatar are firm, which require a deposit and several contractual obligations, or are options.
Boeing no longer issues catalogue prices, but based on the most recent published value for its most expensive jet, the 777X, a deal for 160 of the long-range aircraft would be worth some US$70 billion.
Aviation analysts say that airlines typically get large discounts for bulk deals.
Boeing was not immediately available for comment.
Qatar Airways did not immediately respond to a request for clarification or comment. REUTERS
