Donald Trump has unveiled business deals worth more than $200 billion between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, including a $14.5 billion commitment involving Boeing, GE Aerospace and Etihad Airways. The announcement came during the US president’s multi-day tour of the Middle East, where he pledged to deepen ties with Gulf nations.
According to the White House, Etihad Airways has committed to purchasing 28 US-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. “With the inclusion of the next-generation 777X in its fleet plan, the investment deepens the longstanding commercial aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fuelling American manufacturing and driving exports,” the administration said in a statement on Thursday.
Etihad’s chief executive, Antonoaldo Neves, had previously stated that the airline intended to add between 20 and 22 aircraft to its existing fleet of around 100 planes this year. The expansion is part of a broader strategy to grow the fleet to over 170 aircraft by 2030, in line with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification goals.
Owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund ADQ, Etihad has undergone years of restructuring and leadership changes, but has resumed growth under Neves.
The Etihad deal follows Boeing’s announcement on Wednesday of its largest-ever wide-body aircraft order—$96 billion worth of jets from Qatar.
The wave of deal-making coincides with Trump’s final day in the region. His visit has stirred controversy after he revealed plans to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet from the Qatari government. The decision has sparked ethical concerns, but Trump has defended it, claiming the aircraft would serve as a new Air Force One before eventually being donated to his presidential library.
“We’re the United States of America. I believe we should have the most impressive plane,” Trump said on Wednesday.
