Bahrain Signs Major Deal with U.S. for 18 Boeing Dreamliners and 36 GE Engines for Gulf Air

TDT | Manama

Email : ashen@newsofbahrain.com

Bahrain has signed a major aviation deal with the United States that will see Gulf Air receive 18 new Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft and 36 advanced engines from General Electric.

The agreement was signed during an official meeting in Washington, D.C., attended by Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Minister of Finance and National Economy and Chairman of Mumtalakat, and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

Shaikh Salman praised the long-standing relationship between Bahrain and the United States, calling it a partnership built on trust and shared goals. He said the new aircraft and engines will help modernize Gulf Air’s fleet, improve its services, and support Bahrain’s goal of becoming a regional aviation hub.

“This is a big step forward for Gulf Air and Bahrain,” he said. “It shows our commitment to improving our airline and working with global partners like Boeing and GE.”

Shaikh Salman also shared that Bahrain has signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing to explore opening a local center for aircraft maintenance and repair. This would help train local talent and expand Bahrain’s role in the aviation sector.

The new deal is part of a larger set of agreements worth over $177 billion announced during the visit of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince to the U.S. It highlights Bahrain’s focus on economic growth, innovation, and stronger global ties.

Officials from both countries attended the signing ceremony, marking one of the biggest aviation deals in the region this year.