Etihad Airways placed a $14.5 billion order for 28 Boeing 787 and 777X aircrafts equipped with GE engines. The American-made aircraft are manufactured in Washington and South Carolina and equipped with GE engines are developed and tested in Ohio. Announced during US President Donald Trump’s May 2025 trip to Abu Dhabi, the deal builds on the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and US.
Why This Matters
UAE airlines, including Etihad, Emirates and Flydubai, have made significant orders of American aircraft, bolstering the US aviation sector. Etihad’s $14.5 billion order supports 60,000 American aerospace manufacturing jobs across Boeing production facilities, GE Aerospace engine plants and supplier networks nationwide. The deal comes as part of the UAE’s 10-year, $1.4 trillion investment commitment to the US.
Full Press Release: Etihad Airways Continues Fleet Expansion with Boeing Agreement
Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is further expanding its fleet, confirming an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft. Since 2023, the airline has steadily grown its fleet as part of a long-term strategy to double in size by 2030. This reflects Etihad’s ongoing approach to aligning its fleet with evolving network and operational needs.
The agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE engines and supported by a services package. These aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards and will support Etihad’s existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience.
“This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. “Since 2023, we’ve made consistent additions to our fleet, and this latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements.”
Etihad is currently finalising a detailed plan that will shape the airline’s strategy through to 2035. The additional Boeing aircraft will form part of that evolving roadmap, ensuring the airline is well positioned to deliver extraordinary customer experiences and to remain financially self sustainable.
“This addition reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investment in aviation as a key enabler of connectivity, tourism, and trade,” said Neves. “Etihad’s continued growth supports broader economic opportunity in the UAE and beyond.”