U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a significant aviation partnership with the United Arab Emirates, totalling over $200 billion, highlighted by a $14.5 billion contract linking Etihad Airways, Boeing, and GE Aerospace.
Under the agreement, Etihad Airways will acquire 28 new wide-body aircraft from Boeing, all powered by engines from GE Aerospace. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier confirmed the purchase as part of a broader effort to upgrade its fleet and align with long-term operational objectives. Deliveries for the new aircraft are expected to begin in 2028.
According to a statement from the White House, the package includes 787 Dreamliners and the advanced 777X models, and is seen as a key reinforcement of the longstanding aviation partnership between the U.S. and UAE. The agreement is also expected to stimulate American manufacturing and export sectors.
Neither Boeing nor GE Aerospace have publicly commented on the deal so far.
Etihad Airways, which currently operates around 100 aircraft, is undergoing a fleet expansion. CEO Antonoaldo Neves recently disclosed the airline’s plans to add between 20 and 22 aircraft in 2025, aiming to scale up to over 170 jets by the end of the decade. This expansion plays into Abu Dhabi’s wider economic diversification strategy.
In addition to the Boeing acquisition, Etihad is set to take delivery of 10 Airbus A321LRs—one of which began operations this week—along with six A350s and four additional 787s later this year.
The airline is majority-owned by Abu Dhabi’s ADQ sovereign wealth fund, which manages an estimated $225 billion in assets. Despite past restructuring, Etihad has remained focused on growth under Neves’ leadership.
In a separate development, Boeing also secured its largest wide-body order to date from Qatar Airways. The airline committed to 160 aircraft with options for 50 more, bringing the potential value of that deal to $96 billion. That announcement coincided with President Trump’s diplomatic visit to Qatar.
