UAE: Etihad Airways has signed a $14.5 billion agreement with Boeing and GE Aerospace to purchase 28 wide-body aircraft, as part of more than $200 billion in new deals announced between the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
The deal, revealed during US President Donald Trump’s visit to the Gulf, includes next-generation Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. Etihad confirmed the order, noting the aircraft are scheduled to begin joining its fleet in 2028.
In a statement, Etihad said the purchase aligns with its long-term fleet renewal and expansion strategy, allowing the airline to adapt to changing operational and network requirements. “This investment reflects our commitment to building a more efficient and sustainable fleet,” the airline added.
The White House described the agreement as a significant milestone that will deepen commercial aviation ties between the UAE and the US, while also boosting American manufacturing and export volumes.
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) May 15, 2025
Etihad currently operates a fleet of around 100 aircraft and has set ambitious growth targets under CEO Antonoaldo Neves. He recently announced plans to grow the airline’s fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030.
Of the aircraft joining this year, 10 will be Airbus A321LRs, which Etihad officially launched on Monday and plans to introduce into service starting August. The remaining deliveries include six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The airline, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund ADQ, is emerging from a multi-year restructuring and has resumed expansion under Neves’ leadership.
The Etihad deal follows another record-breaking announcement earlier this week when Boeing secured its largest-ever wide-body aircraft order. During President Trump’s visit to Qatar, state carrier Qatar Airways finalized firm orders for 160 Boeing aircraft with options for 50 more, in a deal valued at $96 billion, according to the White House.
These back-to-back deals represent a major milestone for Boeing in the Gulf region and signify the continuing role of U.S. aerospace manufacturers in supporting the growth of Middle Eastern aviation markets.
