Boeing Shares Jump on Reports of Major Saudi Aircraft Deal Negotiations
Boeing Co. experienced a significant stock price increase on Friday following emerging reports that Saudi Arabia's national carrier Saudia is engaged in preliminary discussions for what could become a historic aircraft acquisition deal with both Boeing and European rival Airbus SE.
Details of the Potential Landmark Agreement
According to a Bloomberg report citing sources familiar with the matter, Saudia is in early-stage negotiations with the two aviation manufacturing giants to acquire a minimum of 150 single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft. The Saudi carrier is currently evaluating various aircraft models from both manufacturers and has not yet finalized specific model selections or exact quantities for the potential order.
The prospective aircraft acquisition would serve dual purposes for the 80-year-old airline:
- Modernizing a significant portion of Saudia's existing fleet of approximately 200 aircraft
- Expanding the airline's overall operational capacity to meet growing demand
Historical Context and Previous Boeing Relationship
This potential deal builds upon an existing relationship between Boeing and the Saudi carrier. In 2023, Saudia placed a substantial order for more than three dozen 787 Dreamliner aircraft from Boeing, which included an entitlement for an additional 10 units. This previous agreement demonstrates the ongoing partnership between the American aerospace manufacturer and the Middle Eastern airline.
Market Impact and Stock Performance
The news of the potential landmark deal had immediate positive effects on Boeing's stock performance. At 11:49 a.m. Eastern Standard Time on February 6, 2026, Boeing shares rose by 3.22%, representing a gain of $7.63 per share, reaching a price of $244.65. This increase followed Thursday's closing price of $236.95 per share.
The market response highlights investor optimism about Boeing's potential to secure a major international aircraft order that would significantly boost the company's order book and future revenue prospects. Such a deal would represent a substantial win for Boeing in the competitive global aviation market, particularly against European rival Airbus.
While the discussions remain in preliminary stages and no formal agreements have been announced, the potential scale of the aircraft acquisition has generated considerable interest in financial and aviation circles. The deal would align with Saudi Arabia's broader economic diversification efforts and the expansion plans of its national carrier as the kingdom continues to develop its aviation sector.
