US President Donald Trump announced this Thursday that the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have reached a significant agreement worth over $200 billion, covering various sectors such as aviation, manufacturing, and exports. One of the core transactions is Etihad Airways' commitment to purchase aircraft and engine equipment worth $14.5 billion from Boeing and GE Aviation.
According to a White House statement, Etihad Airways plans to order 28 U.S.-made Boeing 787 and the latest 777X wide-body jets equipped with engines supplied by General Electric. Although Boeing, GE, and Etihad Airways have not yet formally responded to media requests for comment, the White House emphasized that this deal marks an important step in deepening aviation industry cooperation between the U.S. and the UAE.
"The plan to introduce the new generation 777X aircraft will strengthen the long-term partnership between the UAE and the U.S. in the commercial aviation sector while promoting the growth of U.S. manufacturing and exports," the White House noted.
Etihad Airways Accelerates Expansion Plan, Targets 2030 Goals
This order comes as Etihad Airways enters an expansion phase. The company's CEO, Antonio Aldo Neves, previously revealed plans to add 20 to 22 aircraft this year and expand its fleet to over 170 by 2030 to support Abu Dhabi's economic diversification strategy.
Owned by the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund ADQ, the airline has gradually overcome difficulties following multiple restructuring rounds in recent years. Under Neves' leadership, Etihad is vigorously updating its fleet and route network to enhance its status as a regional aviation hub.
Neves stated that this year's new aircraft will include 10 Airbus A321LRs, 6 A350s, and 4 Boeing 787s. The A321LR has completed its first commercial flight this week and is slated to commence operations in August.
Boeing Secures Another Major Order from Qatar, Gulf Cooperation Yields Fruitful Results
During Trump's visit to Gulf countries, Boeing secured successive major orders. On Wednesday, the White House disclosed that Qatar Airways confirmed an order for 160 wide-body jets from Boeing, with an option for an additional 50 planes, making it the largest single transaction in Boeing's history of wide-body aircraft deals, valued at up to $96 billion.
As the U.S. enhances strategic and economic engagement with Middle Eastern countries, the American aviation manufacturing industry continues to benefit from this wave of diplomatic and economic achievements. Moreover, Boeing and GE's expanded orders in the Middle East market will further consolidate their competitive positions in the global aviation manufacturing sector.
