Trump unveils $14.5 billion Etihad deal for 28 Boeing aircraft

Friday 16 May 2025 - 07:30

By: Zahouani Ilham

Trump unveils $14.5 billion Etihad deal for 28 Boeing aircraft

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a series of commercial agreements exceeding $200 billion between the United States and the United Arab Emirates. Among the major deals was a $14.5 billion agreement involving Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways, as confirmed by the White House.

Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi, confirmed the purchase of 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft powered by GE engines. The airline emphasized that the deal supports its strategy to modernize its fleet in line with its operational and network requirements. Deliveries of the new planes are expected to begin in 2028.

According to the White House, the commitment includes Boeing 787 and the next-generation 777X aircraft. Though GE Aerospace and Boeing did not comment, officials stated that the transaction would strengthen the longstanding aviation partnership between the U.S. and the UAE, enhancing American exports and supporting domestic manufacturing.

Etihad currently operates approximately 100 aircraft. CEO Antonoaldo Neves stated last month that the airline plans to add 20 to 22 new aircraft in 2025 as part of its objective to expand its fleet to over 170 planes by 2030, contributing to Abu Dhabi's economic diversification.

The 2025 fleet additions include 10 Airbus A321LRs, set to start operations in August, along with six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787s. Etihad, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund ADQ, has undergone major restructuring in recent years but has grown steadily under Neves' leadership.

Additionally, Boeing secured its largest wide-body aircraft deal during Trump’s visit to Qatar, where Qatar Airways placed firm orders for 160 aircraft, with options for 50 more, valued at $96 billion, according to the White House.