Trump Announces $200 Billion in US-UAE Deals, Including $14.5 Billion Etihad Aircraft Purchase

U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday unveiled a series of agreements between the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) worth more than $200 billion, highlighted by a $14.5 billion aircraft purchase by Etihad Airways from Boeing and GE Aerospace.

The announcement, made during Trump’s Gulf tour, underscores deepening commercial ties between the two countries. According to the White House, the deal involves the purchase of 28 wide-body Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, all powered by GE engines.

Etihad confirmed the order on Friday, stating that the new aircraft are expected to begin joining its fleet in 2028. The Abu Dhabi-based carrier said the investment is in line with its “ongoing approach to aligning its fleet with evolving network and operational needs.”

“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, fueling American manufacturing and driving exports,” the White House said.

Etihad currently operates a fleet of around 100 aircraft and is pursuing a long-term growth strategy under CEO Antonoaldo Neves. In a statement last month, Neves said the airline plans to expand its fleet to more than 170 aircraft by 2030, as part of Abu Dhabi’s broader economic diversification goals.

This year alone, Etihad aims to add between 20 and 22 aircraft, including 10 Airbus A321LRs, six Airbus A350s, and four Boeing 787s. The A321LRs were officially launched by the airline on Monday and are scheduled to begin operations in August.

The $14.5 billion deal marks one of the largest recent commercial aviation agreements between the two countries. Neither Boeing nor GE Aerospace has publicly commented on the order.

The announcement comes just a day after Boeing secured its largest wide-body aircraft deal to date, with Qatar Airways placing firm orders for 160 jetliners, plus options for 50 more, in a deal valued at $96 billion during Trump’s visit to Doha.

Etihad’s latest investment is backed by ADQ, Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund with assets totaling $225 billion. The airline has undergone significant restructuring and leadership changes in recent years, but is now focused on growth and modernisation.

Trump’s Gulf tour has centered heavily on trade and investment, with aviation and energy cooperation emerging as key pillars of U.S. engagement in the region.