Gulf Air, the national carrier of the Kingdom of Bahrain, has announced a major upgrade to its wide-body fleet with a new order of up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The agreement includes the purchase of 12 aircraft with options for six additional units, as part of the airline’s plans to expand its international network and further modernize its fleet. The new order is expected to support around 30,000 jobs in the United States, further highlighting the broader economic impact of this bilateral cooperation.
The signing of the agreement was witnessed by senior officials, including Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Sheikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick. Also in attendance were Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi. The occasion emphasized the strong and long-standing partnership between Boeing and Gulf Air, which dates back over six decades to the delivery of the first DC-3 aircraft in 1961.
Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi stated that the agreement marks a transformational step in the company’s development and global expansion. It continues the airline’s fleet modernization strategy with one of the most technologically advanced and fuel-efficient aircraft in the industry. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has already demonstrated exceptional performance in Gulf Air’s long-haul operations, and the new order further reflects the airline’s confidence in the model—both in terms of passenger experience and its contribution to sustainability goals. Gulf Air is reaffirming its ambition to position Bahrain as a major global aviation hub.
Thanks to its advanced technology and features such as enhanced cabin comfort, lower cabin altitude pressure, and improved turbulence management, the 787 Dreamliner has already enabled the launch of over 425 new direct routes and transported more than one billion passengers worldwide since its commercial debut in 2011. With ten Dreamliners already in its fleet, Gulf Air is now poised to further expand its network across Asia, Europe, and the United States, ensuring a competitive edge in the global market.
Boeing President Stephanie Pope emphasized that this order further strengthens the strategic partnership with Gulf Air and confirms both companies’ commitment to innovation, sustainability, and enhancing global air connectivity—while also reinforcing Bahrain’s role in the global aviation industry. Boeing, as the world’s leading aerospace company and one of America’s largest exporters, remains dedicated to investing in safety, quality, and sustainability through its global network of employees and suppliers.
