Gulf Air and Boeing have finally reached a firm agreement for the Bahrain-based carrier to purchase 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The announcement came on day two of the Dubai Airshow 2025 which has so far seen Boeing sign aircraft agreements with Emirates, Ethiopian Airways and Air Senegal.
The definitive purchase agreement signed between Boeing and Gulf Air on November 18, 2025, is understood to be for 12 Dreamliners and finalizes negotiations undertaken earlier this year.
“This agreement highlights Gulf Air’s 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,” a spokesperson for Gulf Air said.
In July 2025, Gulf Air announced an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 12 787 Dreamliner jets with options for six more.
The agreement was signed hand in hand with the Trump administration and in the presence of the US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.
Over summer 2025, several middle eastern countries signed contracts for Boeing planes as part of negotiations with US President Donald Trump.
“The milestone also supports the airline’s long-term strategy to enhance operational efficiency, modernise its fleet with advanced aircraft technology, and contribute to the development of Bahrain’s aviation sector as a regional hub,” added the spokesperson.
According to ch-aviation, Gulf Air already operates an active fleet of nine Boeing 787-9s, the medium sized Dreamliner in the aircraft family.
The Gulf Air aircraft purchase is the first under the leadership of Martin Gauss who became the Bahrain flag carrier’s CEO earlier this month. Previously Gauss was the head of airBaltic.
