Gulf Air confirms order for 15 Boeing 787s
In July, Gulf Air signed an agreement for up to 18 Boeing 787s.
Gulf Air has confirmed Boeing’s fourth order at the Dubai Airshow 2025, with the airline saying that it had signed a “definitive purchase agreement” for 15 787 aircraft.
On November 18, the second day of the Dubai Airshow, Boeing secured its fourth order at the event, with Gulf Air signing a “definitive purchase agreement” for 15 787 aircraft.
The Bahraini airline, which recently had a leadership change, with the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of airBaltic, Martin Gauss, taking over the reins of Gulf Air, said that the order highlighted its “ongoing commitment to fleet modernisation, sustainable growth, and the delivery of superior passenger experience.”
“By expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet, Gulf Air strengthens global connectivity while continuing its decades-long partnership with Boeing.”
While it remains unclear which type of 787 aircraft Gulf Air had ordered, the airline already has 10 787-9s in its fleet, per planespotters.net, with the carrier’s 10th 787-9 being delivered in November 2023.
Boeing’s orders and deliveries records showed that as of October 31, Gulf Air had two unfilled 787-9 orders.
In July, Gulf Air had signed “an agreement” for 12 787 and six additional options for the type. At the time, Boeing said that once finalized, “this order will bring the carrier's firm order book to 14 of the versatile widebody jets […].”
However, then, Boeing had not disclosed whether it was the 787-9, or the 787-10, for example.
Bahrain News Agency (BNA) cited Khalid Husain Taqi, the Chairman of Gulf Air, as saying that the confirmation of the “purchase of Boeing 787 Dreamliners” during the Dubai Airshow means the airline is now “moving forward with its plan to expand capacity, strengthen long-haul services, and offer a higher-quality, more sustainable travel experience.”
Boeing stated that the “order adds three Boeing 787s to the airline's commitment this July and brings Gulf Air's order book to 17 of the versatile widebody jets.”
Cirium’s Diio Mi indicated that the airline has scheduled 58 weekly departures with the 787-9 to 11 destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America in November, with the airline having recently celebrated its return to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
Boeing’s orders at the Dubai Airshow 2025 currently include the Emirates 777-9 deal, as well as Air Senegal and Ethiopian Airlines ordering up to 20 737 MAX 8 aircraft. The two African carriers’ firm orders being split between nine and 11 aircraft, respectively.
Rytis Beresnevicius
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