President Trump Announces Historic Aviation Deal Between the U.S. and UAE: Etihad to Purchase 28 Boeing-GE Aircraft Worth $14.5 Billion

Washington D.C. – U.S.–UAE Seal Over $200 Billion in Trade Agreements

On Thursday, President Donald Trump announced a series of commercial agreements totaling more than $200 billion between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). One of the most significant deals is a $14.5 billion aviation agreement involving Etihad Airways, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.

Etihad Commits to 28 Boeing 787 and 777X Aircraft with GE Engines

According to the official White House announcement, Etihad Airways has pledged to invest $14.5 billion in the purchase of 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, all powered by engines from GE Aerospace.

While Boeing, GE, and Etihad have not yet issued formal comments, the White House emphasized the strategic significance of the deal, stating that it would enhance long-standing commercial aviation ties between the U.S. and the UAE.

“By adding next-generation 777X aircraft to its fleet plan, this investment deepens the long-standing commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, supports U.S. manufacturing, and strengthens exports,” said the White House.

Etihad’s Fleet Expansion Plan – Targeting 170 Aircraft by 2030

Etihad currently operates a fleet of approximately 100 aircraft. However, CEO Antonoaldo Neves recently shared the airline’s ambitious plan to add 20 to 22 new aircraft in 2024, to expand the fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030.

Aircraft to be Added This Year Include:

• 10 Airbus A321LRs (with service set to begin in August)

• 6 Airbus A350s

• 4 Boeing 787s

The move is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to diversify its economy and strengthen its global aviation footprint.

Etihad’s Post-Restructuring Growth Under New Leadership

Etihad Airways is owned by Abu Dhabi’s ADQ sovereign wealth fund, which manages approximately $225 billion in assets. After years of restructuring and leadership changes, the airline is entering a strong growth phase under CEO Neves, backed by a clear long-term vision.

Boeing Secures Record-Breaking Deal with Qatar Airways

Just one day before the Etihad announcement, Qatar Airways confirmed the largest wide-body aircraft order in Boeing’s history, with 160 confirmed aircraft and options for 50 more, bringing the total deal value to $96 billion.

The Middle East’s Growing Role in Global Aviation

These multi-billion-dollar agreements between the U.S. and Middle Eastern countries like the UAE and Qatar underscore the region’s increasing influence in global aviation and commerce.

For Etihad, this deal represents a pivotal step toward establishing Abu Dhabi as a leading aviation and economic hub in the region.