DUBAI- Etihad Airways (EY) placed a significant $14.5 billion order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft during a bilateral trade announcement involving the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The deal includes Boeing 787 and next-generation 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines.
The announcement was made by U.S. President Donald Trump on May 15, highlighting the broader $200 billion in commercial agreements between the two nations. Etihad Airways (EY), based at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), said the aircraft will be delivered starting in 2028.
By Russell Lee Photography from England – Etihad A330, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=40842618Etihad New Boeing Order
Etihad Airways confirmed the purchase of 28 Boeing aircraft—comprising both the 787 Dreamliner and 777X models—as part of its long-term fleet renewal and expansion strategy. The aircraft will be equipped with GE Aerospace engines, further deepening the U.S.-UAE aerospace collaboration.
The new aircraft will start arriving in 2028, with the airline emphasizing that the order aligns with its operational goals and evolving route network.
The deal also strengthens Etihad’s position as a growing global airline, while supporting U.S. manufacturing and aerospace exports. Boeing, along with GE Aerospace, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the transaction.
The White House characterized the purchase as part of a broader initiative to reinforce commercial ties between the United States and the UAE, particularly in the aviation sector. It stated that including the 777X in Etihad’s fleet marks a key step in advancing the U.S.-UAE aviation partnership and supporting economic growth through high-value exports.
Etihad Airways, backed by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund ADQ, is undertaking a multi-year expansion and modernization effort. The carrier, currently operating around 100 aircraft, aims to grow its fleet to over 170 by 2030.
CEO Antonoaldo Neves recently outlined the airline’s 2025 fleet strategy, which includes adding 20–22 aircraft this year alone. Of those, ten will be Airbus A321LRs, with entry into service scheduled for August. The remainder will include six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787s—separate from the newly announced order.
The airline’s restructuring and leadership overhaul in recent years have helped Etihad rebound from earlier challenges, positioning it for renewed global competitiveness. The latest order reinforces that direction, adding fuel-efficient aircraft that support the airline’s environmental and operational goals.
Photo: BoeingQatar Airways 210-Plane Order
Qatar Airways (QR), based at Hamad International Airport (DOH), has signed a historic agreement to purchase up to 210 widebody aircraft from Boeing, marking the largest widebody jet order in the manufacturer’s history.
The record-breaking deal includes 787 Dreamliners and 777-9s, solidifying Qatar Airways’ position as a global aviation leader and expanding its role as the region’s largest 787 operator.
Announced during a high-profile event attended by U.S. President Donald J. Trump and His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the agreement highlights the strategic growth of the Doha-based carrier and its long-term commitment to fleet modernization and sustainability.
Qatar Airways confirmed it will purchase 130 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 30 Boeing 777-9s, with additional options for 50 more aircraft, potentially bringing the total to 210 jets. The order represents the airline’s largest-ever aircraft deal and includes ten previously unidentified 787 orders now attributed to Qatar Airways.
The Boeing 787 family, known for its long-range capabilities and 25% fuel efficiency improvements, aligns with Qatar Airways’ strategy to build the cleanest and youngest widebody fleet in global aviation. The 777-9, Boeing’s latest generation of twin-engine aircraft, will enhance long-haul route performance while reducing emissions and operating costs.
This purchase is also expected to support approximately 400,000 jobs across the U.S. aerospace supply chain, reinforcing the importance of the U.S.-Qatar trade relationship.
Boeing and Qatar Airways executives signed the agreement in the presence of senior U.S. and Qatari leadership, including Boeing President and CEO Kelly Ortberg and Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope.
Featured Image by Clément Alloing | Flickr
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