In a significant boost to US-UAE trade relations, President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a $14.5 billion aviation deal involving Etihad Airways, Boeing, and GE Aerospace. The agreement is part of a broader $200 billion trade package between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
According to a White House statement, Etihad Airways has agreed to purchase 28 Boeing aircraft, including the advanced Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the next-generation Boeing 777X, all powered by GE engines.
“The investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fuelling American manufacturing and driving exports,” the White House noted.
Etihad’s Expansion Strategy
Etihad currently operates a fleet of approximately 100 aircraft. Its CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, has outlined plans to expand this number to over 170 planes by 2030, in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy.
In 2025 alone, the airline is set to add:
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10 Airbus A321LRs
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6 Airbus A350s
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4 Boeing 787s
Etihad is owned by ADQ, Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund, and has recently undergone leadership changes and restructuring to enhance operational performance and global competitiveness.
Broader Context & Industry Impact
This announcement follows another major order placed earlier in the week by Qatar Airways, which committed to 160 widebody Boeing jetliners valued at $96 billion, with options for 50 more. These developments are seen as key wins for Boeing, strengthening its position in the competitive global aviation market amid recovery from previous downturns.
Neither Etihad, Boeing, nor GE Aerospace have issued immediate comments on the deal.
