In a landmark expansion of their long-standing partnership, Qatar Airways and GE Aerospace have signed a record-breaking agreement for more than 400 GE9X and GEnx engines, marking the largest widebody engine purchase in GE Aerospace’s history. The deal was announced during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Doha last week.
The comprehensive agreement includes 60 GE9X engines and 260 GEnx engines, along with additional options and spare units, to power Qatar Airways’ future fleet of Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft. This new order builds on Qatar Airways’ previous request for 188 GE9X engines, bringing the total to 248, and supplements the airline’s existing 124-unit GEnx order.
In addition to the engine acquisitions, the deal includes long-term service agreements for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), reinforcing GE Aerospace’s operational support for the airline.
“This agreement reflects our continued trust in GE Aerospace and the performance of their next-generation engines,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, CEO of Qatar Airways Group. “As we expand and modernize our fleet, the GE9X and GEnx engines will be central to our goal of operational efficiency and environmental responsibility. This partnership is aligned with Qatar Airways’ strategic vision for the future of aviation.”
GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO H. Lawrence Culp Jr. echoed the sentiment, describing the agreement as a milestone moment for both companies. “We’re honored by Qatar Airways’ trust in GE Aerospace and proud to support their ambitious growth with our most advanced widebody engines. These are engines built to power the longest journeys with unmatched durability and fuel efficiency. We also appreciate President Trump’s support of this historic agreement.”
The GE9X, exclusive to Boeing’s 777X family, is currently the world’s most powerful commercial aircraft engine, offering a 10% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, the GE90-115B, and significantly reduced emissions. The GEnx, introduced in 2011, has accumulated over 62 million flight hours and remains GE’s fastest-selling high-thrust engine, now powering two-thirds of the global 787 Dreamliner fleet.
Both the GE9X and GEnx engines are certified for operation with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blends, underscoring GE Aerospace’s commitment to environmental innovation. As part of the expanded partnership, GE Aerospace will continue to provide On Wing Support through its dedicated center in Qatar, where it also plays a key role in training and developing local aviation talent to serve the region’s growing aerospace sector.
The deal not only cements Qatar Airways’ position at the forefront of global aviation but also strengthens the strategic industrial and diplomatic ties between the United States and Qatar.