The State Department announced March 14 that Saudi Arabia plans to purchase up to 121 Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with General Electric’s most advanced GEnex engines to anchor its new Riyadh Air fleet.

The deal, which is worth $37 billion, came after years of negotiations and is expected to create more than a million jobs in the American aerospace supply chain across 44 states, according to a release from the State Department. The acquisition of the airliners and engines will enable Riyadh Air and SAUDIA Airlines to provide service to about 100 global destinations.

"We welcome the announcement that Saudi Arabia will purchase up to 121 Boeing aircraft equipped with General Electric's GEnex engines. Along with Boeing's Air India announcement, these deals will support over one million jobs across 44 states — a clear win for American workers," Secretary Antony Blinken wrote in a statement on Twitter.

Riyadh Air, a new Saudi airline owned by the Public Investment Fund, chose to purchase 787 Dreamliners to power its launch, as well as 39 more 787-9s with options for an additional 33. Saudi Arabia's goal is to transform the country into a global aviation hub, with the aim of serving 330 million passengers and attracting 100 million visitors annually by 2030, according to a release by Boeing.

The order of 121 Dreamliners is fifth largest commercial order by value in Boeing's history, the release added.

SAUDIA currently operates around 50 Boeing planes, and the additional 787s will complement its existing fleet, Boeing reported. The Dreamliner offers range, capacity and efficiency, with reduced fuel use and emissions by 25% compared to older models, according to the report.