Etihad to Buy 28 Boeing Jets in $14.5bn Deal as Trump Unveils $200bn UAE Trade Boost

Etihad Airways has committed to purchasing 28 Boeing aircraft in a $14.5 billion deal, part of a broader $200 billion package of trade agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday.

According to a White House statement, the agreement includes Boeing 787 and next-generation 777X jets powered by GE Aerospace engines, further cementing the long-standing commercial aviation ties between both nations. The White House highlighted that the investment would support American manufacturing and boost exports.

Etihad, currently operating a fleet of about 100 aircraft, plans significant growth. CEO Antonoaldo Neves disclosed last month that the airline intends to add 20 to 22 new planes in 2025, aiming for a total fleet size of over 170 by 2030. The expansion is part of a wider strategy to enhance Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification.

Ten of the incoming aircraft this year will be Airbus A321LRs, set to begin operations in August. The rest include six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787s.

Owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund, ADQ, Etihad has emerged from a period of restructuring to aggressively expand under Neves’ leadership.

The announcement follows another major aviation deal earlier this week, where Qatar Airways confirmed an order for 160 Boeing jetliners with options for 50 more, totaling $96 billion—marking Boeing’s largest-ever widebody aircraft deal.

Neither Boeing, GE, nor Etihad immediately commented on the latest deal.