As part of a broader package of commercial agreements between the US and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) totalling $200bn, US President Donald Trump has announced a $14.5bn deal between Boeing, GE Aerospace and Etihad Airways.
The deal will see Etihad take the delivery of 28 widebody aircraft, including both 777X and 787 jets, which will be powered by GE engines.
“With the inclusion of the next generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fuelling American manufacturing, driving exports, and supporting 60,000 US jobs,” the White House wrote in a statement.
Etihad confirmed in a statement that these aircraft are expected to join its fleet from 2028 onwards, supporting existing plans for growth.
“This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans,” said Antonoaldo Neves, chief executive officer of Etihad Airways. “Since 2023, we’ve made consistent additions to our fleet, and this latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements.”
Etihad said it is currently finalising a “detailed plan” that will shape the airline’s strategy through to 2035.
This order by the Abu Dhabi-based carrier follows Qatar Airways’ order of up to 210 Boeing widebody jets that was confirmed on May 15, 2025, with these jets also being powered by GE engines. This is Boeing's largest widebody order, consisting of 130 firm options for the 787 - the largest order from Qatar for this aircraft type - and 30 777-9s. Additionally, the company has options for up to 50 additional 787 and 777X jets.
This also follows an order made by Riyadh-based lessor AviLease on May 13, 2025, for the purchase of 20 737 MAX 8 aircraft, with options for an additional ten jets.
By securing agreements across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, Trump has signed deals valued at approximately $1 trillion, during his trip to the Gulf region.