NEW YORK, May 15, 2025 – Boeing (BA) has become one of the biggest corporate winners of President Trump’s international deal-making spree, with shares surging 50% since April lows following a series of blockbuster aircraft orders from global carriers.
The aerospace manufacturer’s stock hit a 52-week high Wednesday after announcing its largest-ever order – a $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways for up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets. This landmark agreement caps an extraordinary turnaround for a company that was mired in safety scandals, production delays, and leadership chaos just last year.
Trump’s “Boeing Diplomacy” Bears Fruit
The Qatar deal follows a cascade of international orders tied to President Trump’s trade negotiations:
✔ $10 billion order from British Airways’ parent IAG (announced during US-UK trade talks)
✔ Up to 30 aircraft commitment from Saudi Arabia’s AviLease
✔ China resuming Boeing deliveries after tariff truce
“It could be argued that Trump’s return to the White House has benefited Boeing,” wrote Fundstrat analysts, noting the president’s personal advocacy for the company abroad.
From Crisis to Comeback: Boeing’s Remarkable Rebound
The Dark Days of 2024
Boeing’s annus horribilis included:
- Alaska Airlines door plug blowout triggering FAA investigations
- $10 billion+ in losses from production slowdowns
- CEO shakeup and management overhaul
The 2025 Resurrection
The tide turned after:
✅ Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff policy reopened export markets
✅ Strategic orders from Middle East and European carriers
✅ China lifting its Boeing delivery ban following trade talks
“What looked like a death spiral last year has become the year’s best industrial turnaround story,” noted Morgan Stanley analysts.
Global Chessboard: Boeing as a Geopolitical Bargaining Chip
The company finds itself at the center of international trade negotiations:
✔ China Deal: Beijing resumed accepting Boeing planes after US-China tariff pause
✔ EU Threat: Brussels warns of retaliatory tariffs on Boeing jets if talks fail
✔ Middle East Momentum: Qatar/Saudi deals cement Boeing’s regional dominance
“Every trade delegation now asks about Boeing orders—it’s become a currency of diplomacy,” a Commerce Department official told Reuters.
Controversy in the Cockpit: The Air Force One Debate
The Qatar agreement comes as President Trump defends accepting a Boeing 747 gift from Qatar’s royal family for use as an interim Air Force One, stating:
“Only a FOOL would not accept a beautiful plane when our country is getting ripped off on the new Air Force One program.”
Critics question the optics amid massive defense contracts, but supporters argue it demonstrates Trump’s deal-making prowess.
Market Reaction & What’s Next
📈 Stock Performance:
- +50% since April 2025 lows
- +20% YTD outpacing aerospace peers
🔮 Future Catalysts:
- Potential EU order announcements as trade talks progress
- 737 MAX recertification in key Asian markets
- Defense contract wins tied to Pentagon budget increases
Analyst Views: Sustainable Recovery or Sugar High?
Bull Case:
“This isn’t just about Trump—Boeing fixed its operations and the global travel boom creates insatiable demand.”
– J.P. Morgan Aerospace Team
Bear Caution:
“The orders are spectacular, but execution risk remains. Boeing must deliver on time without quality lapses.”
– Bernstein Research
The Bottom Line
Boeing’s phoenix-like rise from its 2024 nadir demonstrates how corporate fortunes can shift dramatically with geopolitical winds. As the company capitalizes on Trump’s trade victories, all eyes remain on whether it can convert these paper orders into flawless execution—and maintain its altitude as the administration’s most visible industrial success story.