Qatar Airways considers new Airbus order despite historic Boeing deal
Qatar Airways has confirmed it is open to placing a new aircraft order with Airbus, even after recently signing a massive deal with Boeing for up to 210 widebody jets, one of the largest such agreements in aviation history.
CEO Badr Mohammed Al-Meer stated that the airline is currently engaged in parallel negotiations with both Airbus and Boeing, as part of its ongoing plan to renew and expand its long-haul fleet.
The announcement comes shortly after Qatar Airways signed a US$96 billion agreement with Boeing, which includes up to 130 787 Dreamliners, 30 777X aircraft, and 50 additional options.
The deal, unveiled during U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to the Middle East, represents the largest widebody aircraft order ever placed with Boeing.
Rebuilding ties with Airbus
Despite the major Boeing deal, Qatar Airways has shown signs of reconciling with Airbus after a prolonged legal dispute over paint quality issues on A350 aircraft, which had led to order cancellations and delivery suspensions.
Relations between the two sides have since improved, with Airbus resuming aircraft deliveries — some even ahead of schedule — suggesting a renewed level of trust and cooperation.
With a goal of increasing annual passenger volume from 50 million to 80 million over the next five to six years, Qatar Airways is investing in a substantial widebody fleet upgrade to support its service quality and global growth ambitions.
A final decision on any new orders could be announced at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK, scheduled for July 2025.
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