Gulf Air and Boeing Secure 18 Dreamliners in a $7 Billion Deal
Overview of the Contract
Carriers Involved: Bahrain-based Gulf Air and global Boeing
Deal Value: $7 billion as reported by the U.S. Commerce Department
Aircraft Quantity:
12 787 Dreamliners delivered immediately
Options for six additional jets in the future
Strategic Rationale for Gulf Air
Fleet Modernization: Transition to more efficient wide-body aircraft
Network Expansion: A step toward a broader global footprint
Sustainability Goals: The Dreamliner’s eco-friendly design aligns with the carrier’s green ambition
Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi“This order demonstrates our confidence in the Dreamliner’s performance and passenger appeal while supporting our sustainability objectives.”
Boeing’s Delivery Milestone
Quarterly Deliveries: 150 commercial aircraft in the second quarter, the highest since 2018
Historical Context:
Two 737 MAX crashes in 2018–2019 (346 fatalities) highlighted the company’s resilience crisis
The Air India 787 incident in June 2024 (260 total fatalities) underlined the urgency of safety protocols
Boeing’s Response“The Dreamliner has proven to be an exceptional aircraft for our long-haul operations, and this new order reflects our confidence in its performance, passenger appeal and contribution to our sustainability goals.”
Additional Notes
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade pact with Indonesia, limiting tariffs to 19 percent and pledging the purchase of 50 Boeing jets, many of them 777s.
Conclusion
The Gulf Air–Boeing partnership marks a transformative step in Gulf Air’s journey toward greater global reach and fleet modernization.
The deal supports 30,000 jobs across the U.S. and elevates the carrier’s long-haul operations to new heights.
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