U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday a series of commercial agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates worth more than $200 billion, highlighting a major $14.5 billion commitment by Etihad Airways to purchase aircraft and engines from Boeing and GE Aerospace.
Etihad confirmed on Friday it would acquire 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, including models from the 787 and next-generation 777X series, all powered by GE engines. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said the new jets would be delivered starting in 2028 and would support its long-term fleet optimization strategy.
“This investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fueling American manufacturing and boosting exports,” the White House said in a statement.
The deal comes as Etihad continues to scale up operations under CEO Antonoaldo Neves, who recently announced plans to grow the airline’s fleet to more than 170 aircraft by 2030. This year alone, Etihad plans to add 20 to 22 new planes, including 10 Airbus A321LRs, six Airbus A350s, and four Boeing 787s.
Owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund ADQ, Etihad has undergone significant restructuring in recent years but is now expanding aggressively to support the emirate’s economic diversification efforts.
Separately, Boeing also secured its largest-ever wide-body aircraft order this week when Qatar Airways signed a $96 billion agreement during President Trump’s Gulf visit, committing to purchase 160 jetliners with options for 50 more.
