(Photo courtesy of Boeing)

Qatar Airways and Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced May 14, 2025, the carrier will purchase up to 210 widebody jets, which sets new records as the largest widebody order for Boeing, including the largest order for 787 Dreamliners and Qatar Airways largest-ever order.

Boeing officials said the purchase, which also includes additional orders for Boeing's new 777-9, will support approximately 400,000 jobs in the U.S. and position the award-winning Middle Eastern airline for further international expansion.

The order includes:

* 130 787 Dreamliners, the long-range, widebody airplane family that has delivered a 25 percent fuel-use improvement compared to airplanes it replaces. Ten orders were previously booked as unidentified.

* 30 777-9s, the world's largest twin-engine airplane that is designed to set new standards in efficiency by reducing fuel use and emissions by 25 percent compared to the airplanes it replaces.

* Options for an additional 50 787 and 777X airplanes.

Boeing South Carolina is the home of the 787 Dreamliner.

Teammates fabricate, assemble and deliver the 787-8, 787-9, and 787-10 to customers all over the world.

U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani Amir of the State of Qatar joined Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg, Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Stephanie Pope and Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer for the Qatar Airways order signing.

Said Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer: "After two consecutive years of record-breaking commercial performance and with this historic Boeing aircraft order we're not simply chasing scale, we're building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences. We thank our Boeing partners for answering the call and look forward to a future of continued smart growth together."

Qatar Airways operates more than 150 Boeing airplanes, including 777 and 787 passenger jets and 777 Freighters.

With this purchase, Qatar Airways will become the largest 787 Dreamliner operator in the Middle East.

Qatar Airways flies to over 170 destinations worldwide, connecting through its Doha hub, Hamad International Airport,

Meanwhile, GE Aerospace said Qatar Airways signed an expanded partnership with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X engines and 260 GEnx engines, with additional options and spares, to power its next-generation Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 787 aircraft.

It is the largest widebody engine purchase in the history of GE Aerospace. 

The Qatar Airways announcement follows recent news that International Airlines Group, said it has ordered 21 Airbus A330-900neo aircraft and 32 Boeing 787-10 aircraft for delivery from 2028 to 2033. 

IAG is the parent company of British Airways, Iberia, Vueling, Aer Lingus, LEVEL, IAG Loyalty and IAG Cargo.

SC Launch Inc., the investment affiliate of the South Carolina Research Authority, has invested $250,000 in NeuroQuest.

The Charleston-based company is developing NeuroScreen to provide an accurate and affordable blood test for early screening and monitoring of asymptomatic Alzheimer’s disease. 

NeuroQuest became a SCRA Member Company and SC Launch Inc. Portfolio Company when it received its first investments totaling $550,000.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, nearly 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease, and by 2050, this number is projected to rise to almost 13 million.

“These devastating statistics are why we’re so supportive of NeuroQuest’s mission,” said SC Launch Program Director Lee MacIlwinen. “NeuroQuest's team is comprised of medical experts and business professionals from around the world with extensive experience in innovation, development, and clinical research, and they have the experience to lead in this ground-breaking way.”

“The teams at SCRA and SC Launch Inc. have been with us from the beginning, and we really appreciate their advice and funding. Our solution uniquely identifies asymptomatic individuals as early and effectively as possible,” said NeuroQuest CEO Jason Maxwell. “Our test delivers benefits for not only patients and their families, but also for healthcare providers and treatment prescribers.”

“We’re excited to continue supporting such an important diagnostic solution. The team at NeuroQuest will be finalizing its pre-clinical product development with this investment. This is another important step to earlier and better detection for Alzheimer's,” said SC Launch Inc. Executive Director Matt Bell. “We look forward to their continued success.”

NeuroQuest presented research demonstrating the efficacy of NeuroScreen at the most recent Alzheimer's Association International Conference, where the leading global medical and scientific dementia research community meets to learn about the latest research, products, and solutions available in treating Alzheimer’s and related dementias.

The Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission named Kevin E. Howell as the next president and chief executive officer of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District, effective Jan. 10, 2026.

Howell will continue to serve in his current role as executive vice president through the remainder of President and CEO Dave Edwards’ tenure. 

Howell joined the District as the deputy director of Properties & Development in 2010 and was promoted to chief operating officer in 2011. 

He oversees operations, capital development, public safety, maintenance, and the airport’s Cerulean Aviation division.

During his tenure, Howell has been responsible for delivering major capital projects and operational advancements. Howell was named executive vice president in January 2025. 

“I’ve worked alongside Kevin for almost two decades, and I’m confident he will build on the momentum we’ve created and continue leading the District with the same vision and values that have guided us to date,” Edwards said.

Edwards added, “I’m looking forward to continuing to lead the organization in the months ahead and working closely with Kevin and the team to ensure a smooth and successful transition.” 

Howell, who has more than 25 years of airport leadership experience, is an accredited International Airport Professional through Airports Council International (ACI) and a Certified Manager with the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE).

Before joining GSP, he served as director of Properties and Development at Asheville Regional Airport and previously worked at Little Rock National Airport and Nashville International Airport. 

In addition to his leadership at GSP, Howell is active in the aviation industry and the local community.

He served as president of the South Carolina Aviation Association in 2023 and 2024 and has served on several local boards and organizations across the Upstate. 

“It’s an honor to be selected to lead the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District,” said Howell. “I’m grateful to the Commission for their trust and support, and to Dave for his leadership over the years. I look forward to continuing to work with our outstanding team to serve our community and build on the strong reputation that’s been established at GSP.” 

Minor Shaw, chair of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport Commission, expressed her appreciation for Edwards’ service and confidence in the airport’s continued success under new leadership. 

“Dave has led this organization with integrity and a focus on excellence,” said Shaw. “We are fortunate to have a leader like Kevin Howell prepared to step into this role. The Commission is confident in Kevin’s ability to lead GSP into the future.” 

Edwards announced earlier this year that he will retire in January 2026, following more than 16 years as president and CEO of the Greenville-Spartanburg Airport District and a 38-year career in aviation. 

Help recognize excellence in South Carolina’s business community.

The nomination period for the SC Best in Business Awards 2025 is officially underway, and we invite you to nominate the companies and professionals who are setting the standard for quality, innovation, and service across the Palmetto State.

From outstanding restaurants and retail establishments to financial firms, healthcare providers, and entrepreneurs — this is your opportunity to highlight the businesses that make a lasting impact on your community.

Nominations are open through June 8

You may submit one nomination per category per day.
Businesses with the most nominations will move on to the official voting round.

Submit your nominations here

Your nomination can help elevate South Carolina’s best and brightest. Let’s honor the businesses leading the way in 2025.

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