United States: Donald Trump has unveiled business agreements totalling more than $200 billion between the United States and the United Arab Emirates during his ongoing tour of the Middle East.
The package includes a $14.5 billion commitment involving Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways, aimed at strengthening commercial aviation and economic ties between the two nations. According to the White House, Etihad Airways has committed to purchasing 28 US-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines.
Etihad’s fleet expansion comes amid broader growth plans announced by its CEO, Antonoaldo Neves. The airline aims to extend its fleet from around 100 aircraft to over 170 by 2030, aligning with Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification strategy. Neves confirmed that 20 to 22 new planes would be added in 2025, including Airbus A321LRs, A350s, and Boeing 787s.
Etihad, which is owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225bn sovereign wealth fund ADQ, has emerged from a multiyear restructuring and is actively expanding under Neves’ leadership. The announcement follows Boeing’s record-breaking $96bn order from Qatar unveiled, marking its largest-ever deal for wide-body aircraft.
Trump’s multiday trip to the Middle East, however, has not been without controversy. Ethical concerns have been raised over his decision to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet from the Qatari government, which he says will become the new Air Force One before eventually being donated to his presidential library. Trump stated that, “We’re the United States of America. I believe we should have the most impressive plane.”
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