Gulf Air and Boeing have finally reached a firm agreement for the Bahrain-based carrier to purchase 15 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 for 15 Dreamliners, with options for three more, and finalizes negotiations undertaken earlier this year.
In July 2025, Gulf Air announced an agreement with Boeing for the purchase of 12 787 Dreamliner jets with options for six more.
The July deal 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.
“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.
“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.
“Gulf Air is taking exciting steps to expand its global footprint and we are honored the airline has confirmed the Boeing 787 Dreamliner as the cornerstone of its fleet today and in the decades ahead. The 787’s superior efficiency and passenger comfort fit perfectly with Gulf Air’s commitment to sustainability and operational excellence,” said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.
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.
Today’s agreement was signed on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow by Gauss and Brad McMullen, Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
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