On Friday, February 2, 2018, members of an official Qatari delegation visited Boeing's facility in Charleston, South Carolina.
The delegation was comprised of Qatar's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohamed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Qatar Airways' Group CEO, Mr. Akbar al-Baker, the CEO of Qatar Investment Authority, Sheikh Abdullah bin Mohammed Al Thani, and Qatar's Ambassador to the United States, Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani.
Qatar Airways' relationship with Boeing began in 2006, when the group ordered 22 777 planes. Since then, Qatar Airways' has upgraded its fleet of commercial airliners with Boeing planes. 44% of the airline's 209-plane fleet is currently comprised of Boeing's aircraft, with more on the way.
Boeing's CEO of Commercial Airplanes accompanied the delegation during their visit, and said "Today Qatar Airways powers nearly 100 wide body aircraft, Boeing has an order for another 120, so literally responsible for tens of thousands of jobs here in the US."
Currently, Qatar Airways has 212 Boeing planes on order. This includes 110 Boeing 777Xs, 9 Boeing 777-300ERs, 30 Boeing 787s, 3 Boeing 777Fs, 1 Boeing 747-8 Freighter, and 60 Boeing 737 MAX 8s.
In total, Qatar Airways' purchases of American-made aircraft has totaled $92 billion. This has directly and indirectly supported nearly 530,000 American jobs across the country. Qatar Airways' 2016 purchase of 30 787-9 Dreamliners and 10 3777-300ERs was worth $11.7 billion— the largest airline purchase in world history. That same purchase included a letter of intent for up to 60 737 MAX 8s, which would add another $6.9 billion at list price.
Mr. al-Baker's recent tour of the Boeing facility in Charleston highlights the airline's commitment to the US economy. This 1.2 million square foot facility houses the assembly and delivery line for the manufacturer's Dreamliner jets and employs nearly 7,000 people.
Qatar as a whole has committed to advancing its commercial relationship with the United States, investing billions of dollars across the country. Qatar Airways' purchases are critical to jobs and the overall US economy.
Boeing expects the Middle East overall will need more than 3,000 new planes by 2036, worth an estimated $770 billion.