Donald Trump announced over $200 billion in deals between the United States and the United Arab Emirates during his multi-day trip to the Middle East, with a notable $14.5 billion agreement involving Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways. The White House stated that Boeing and GE had committed to a $14.5 billion investment by Etihad Airways to purchase 28 US-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines.
“This investment, which includes the next-generation 777X in Etihad’s fleet plans, strengthens the long-standing commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the US, supporting American manufacturing and boosting exports,” the White House noted.
Etihad’s CEO, Antonoaldo Neves, revealed last month that the airline plans to add 20 to 22 new aircraft this year, expanding its fleet from around 100 planes to over 170 by 2030 as part of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification efforts. Owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion wealth fund ADQ, Etihad has undergone a restructuring and management overhaul over recent years but has continued expansion under Neves.
Neves also announced that 10 of the new aircraft this year would be Airbus A321LRs, which the airline launched recently and will begin operating in August. The remaining aircraft include six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787s.
This announcement follows a record-breaking $96 billion order for Boeing wide-body jets secured by Qatar earlier this week—the company’s largest-ever deal of its kind.
The deal activity coincides with President Trump’s nearing the end of his Middle East tour. His visit has been marked by controversy over plans to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet from Qatar’s government, raising ethical concerns. Despite this, Trump doubled down on the decision, expressing his intention to accept the aircraft as the new Air Force One and eventually place it in his presidential library, stating, “We’re the United States of America. I believe we should have the most impressive plane,” he remarked on Wednesday.
