Bahrain Signs $17B Deal for Boeing Jets, GE Engines

Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa announced a $17 billion investment package with the United States during his official visit, which includes Gulf Air's purchase of at least 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets worth $7 billion, with an option for six more, and a deal for 40 General Electric engines. This marks a strategic shift as Gulf Air moves away from Rolls-Royce engines, addressing previous operational challenges. The investments aim to deepen economic ties, support US aluminum and liquefied natural gas production, and include plans to acquire advanced artificial intelligence chips and replace Chinese servers. Gulf Air also launched a new direct flight to New York JFK beginning October 1 using a Boeing 787-9. The agreement supports approximately 30,000 US jobs and reflects the longstanding US-Bahrain partnership spanning over 130 years. These deals follow other significant regional commitments made during President Donald Trump's recent Middle East trip, including major investments from Qatar and Saudi Arabia.