SAN FRANCISCO – Bahrain’s national carrier, Gulf Air, has signed a multi-billion-dollar agreement with Boeing to purchase 12 787 Dreamliners, with an option for six additional aircraft, as part of its ongoing expansion and fleet modernisation efforts.
Once finalised, the order will increase Gulf Air’s confirmed 787 fleet to 14 jets and is expected to support 30,000 jobs across the United States, according to a joint statement by the two companies.
Bahrain’s state news agency reported the value of the agreement at US$4.6 billion for 18 aircraft, while the US Commerce Department estimated the deal at around US$7 billion.
Gulf Air Group chairman Khalid Taqi said the purchase represents a “transformational step” in the airline’s growth strategy, helping expand its international reach and align with its sustainability goals. He added that the Boeing 787 has been instrumental in the airline’s long-haul operations, citing its efficiency and passenger comfort.
This order comes as Boeing reported its strongest second-quarter commercial aircraft deliveries since 2018, with 150 aircraft handed over.
Despite recent aviation setbacks, including a June crash involving a Boeing 787 operated by Air India, the US aviation giant continues to secure major deals. The Air India incident remains under investigation, and no action has been requested from Boeing at this stage.
The Gulf Air order follows broader momentum for Boeing, including a recent agreement involving the sale of 50 Boeing aircraft to Indonesia as part of a trade pact announced by US President Donald Trump.
