Qatar Airways Profit Surges 28% to $2.1 Billion on Global Expansion
| 2025-05-19
Qatar Airways has announced a 28% increase in annual net profit, reaching 7.8 billion Qatari riyals ($2.1 billion), amid a major fleet expansion and strategic international partnerships.
Qatar Airways reports a record $2.1 billion profit, driven by international investments and a landmark aircraft and engine deal with Boeing and GE Aerospace.
Qatar Airways has announced a 28% increase in annual net profit, reaching 7.8 billion Qatari riyals ($2.1 billion), amid a major fleet expansion and strategic international partnerships.
The profit growth, disclosed in a preliminary statement released on 19 May 2025, marks a historic milestone for the state-owned airline, which operates from Hamad International Airport in Doha—one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation hubs.
Fleet expansion and international investment
The profit surge comes as Qatar Airways pursues an assertive global expansion strategy. Recent moves include equity investments in two international carriers: a 25% stake in Virgin Australia and a 25% holding in South African regional airline Airlink. The deals are expected to enhance Qatar Airways’ connectivity across the Asia-Pacific and African markets, strengthening Doha’s position as a global transit hub.
In an earlier statement to Reuters, Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer Thierry Antinori reported a 9% increase in passenger traffic between April 2024 and January 2025. Notably, passenger growth reached 14% in Europe, with Germany alone experiencing a 12% rise.
These gains suggest Qatar Airways is outpacing industry averages, expanding its presence in key international regions.
Landmark aircraft and engine orders
The profit announcement follows Qatar Airways’ recent unveiling of the largest aircraft and engine order in its history. Last week, the airline committed to purchasing 210 Boeing widebody aircraft and over 400 engines from GE Aerospace.
The order includes 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, with options for 50 more planes. These models offer advanced fuel efficiency and are central to Qatar Airways’ focus on sustainability and passenger experience.
“This is not a move for size alone,” said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engineer Badr Mohammed Al-Meer. “It reflects our commitment to efficiency, environmental responsibility, and exceptional service.”
The deal also includes 60 GE9X engines for the Boeing 777-9s and 260 GEnx engines for the 787 Dreamliners. In addition, GE Aerospace will provide maintenance and repair support under long-term service agreements.
GE Aerospace described the order as the largest widebody engine agreement in its history. Stephanie Pope, President and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, praised the partnership, saying it represents “an extraordinary vote of confidence” in Boeing and GE’s products.
Resilience amid global challenges
Al-Meer credited Qatar Airways’ strong financial performance to its ability to remain agile in a complex global environment. “Our partnerships have enabled us to adapt swiftly to geopolitical, economic, and environmental shifts,” he said.
The airline’s strategy has prioritised diversification, resilience, and long-term investment. Despite incomplete data on total revenues and passenger numbers, Qatar Airways’ early financial release points to robust operations across multiple regions and business lines.
Qatar Airways’ global trajectory
Founded in 1993, Qatar Airways has grown into one of the world’s leading long-haul carriers. Its base, Hamad International Airport, consistently ranks among the top airports for transit traffic and passenger experience.
The airline’s recent investments reflect its ambitions to dominate international transit routes connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Industry analysts view the latest profit figures and aircraft deals as evidence of Qatar Airways’ successful recovery from the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and regional political tensions.
With the new aircraft and engine orders, Qatar Airways is poised to become the largest operator of Boeing Dreamliners in the Middle East, reinforcing its role as a global leader in aviation.
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