Gulf Air to Add up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners to Its Widebody Fleet

International

Flag carrier of Bahrain expands all-787 fleet to support international network growth.

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Gulf Air have announced a new agreement for the purchase of 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets, with options for an additional six aircraft. The deal reflects Gulf Air’s ambition to expand its global network and enhance its long-haul capabilities. Once finalized, the order will increase the airline’s firm backlog to 14 Dreamliners and support an estimated 30,000 jobs across the United States.

The announcement was made in Washington in the presence of Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy, Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, and U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, alongside Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Gulf Air Group Chairman Khalid Taqi.

“This agreement marks a transformative step in Gulf Air's strategic growth journey as we expand our global footprint and modernize our fleet with one of the industry's most advanced and efficient aircraft,” said Khalid Taqi, Chairman of Gulf Air Group. “The Boeing 787 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. We are proud to deepen our partnership with Boeing and reaffirm our commitment to positioning Bahrain as a key global aviation hub.”

Gulf Air currently operates 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which serve as the backbone of its long-haul fleet, connecting passengers to more than 50 destinations across Asia, Europe, and the U.S. The addition of up to 18 new Dreamliners will allow the airline to strengthen existing routes and open new ones.

“We are excited to build on our more than 60-year partnership with Gulf Air as we deliver the market-leading 787 Dreamliner to help the airline serve more passengers and connect more destinations,” said Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “This investment in the 787 Dreamliner demonstrates Gulf Air’s commitment to new technology and sustainable development, reinforcing Bahrain’s position in the aviation sector.”

The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is known for its fuel efficiency, long range, and passenger comfort. It features the largest windows of any widebody jet, improved cabin pressure and humidity levels, and advanced turbulence-reducing technology for a smoother ride. Since entering service in 2011, the Dreamliner family has helped launch over 425 new nonstop routes and has flown more than one billion passengers worldwide.

Gulf Air’s relationship with Boeing dates back to the delivery of its first DC-3 aircraft in 1961. To date, the airline has taken delivery of 37 Boeing aircraft, including its current 787 fleet.

Boeing is a leading global aerospace company and the top U.S. exporter. It designs, manufactures, and services commercial airplanes, defense products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing’s global workforce and supply chain drive innovation, sustainability, and economic impact. The company is committed to a core set of values: safety, quality, and integrity.