Aviation Etihad Airways commits $15bn for 28 Boeing jets By Pramod Kumar May 16, 2025, 10:28 AM Etihad Airways The agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines and supported by a services package Aims to double in size by 2030 Mix of Boeing 787 and 777X Expected to join fleet from 2028 Etihad Airways has invested $14.5 billion in 28 Boeing aircraft. Since 2023, the UAE’s national airline has grown its fleet as part of a long-term strategy to double in size by 2030. The agreement includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, powered by GE Aerospace engines and supported by a services package, the airline said in a statement. Etihad Airways CEO Antonoaldo Neves said the aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 and will support long-term network plans. Etihad is currently finalising a detailed strategy through to 2035, the statement added. The current fleet size of Etihad, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion wealth fund ADQ, is close to 100. Last month Neves told Reuters the airline plans to add 20 to 22 new planes this year. Etihad passenger volume up as fleet and destinations rise Etihad IPO likely to attract ‘significant’ investor interest Sheikh Ahmed: China’s Boeing rejects won’t fly for Emirates Earlier this week, Boeing signed its biggest deal for widebody planes with state-backed Qatar Airways, which placed 160 jets plus options to buy 50 more worth $96 billion during Trump’s visit to the Gulf nation. AviLease, a Public Investment Fund-owned aircraft lessor, also signed an agreement with Boeing for up to 30 Boeing 737 Max jets. More than $200 billion worth of deals were signed between the US and the UAE companies during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The president also visited Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The $200 billion in commercial deals between the US and the UAE brings the total investment agreements announced during the Gulf trip to $2 trillion, the White House said in a press statement on Thursday. Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later Register now: It’s easy and free AGBI registered members can access even more of our unique analysis and perspective on business and economics in the Middle East. Why sign uP Exclusive weekly email from our editor-in-chief Personalised weekly emails for your preferred industry sectors Read and download our insight packed white papers Access to our mobile app Prioritised access to live events Register for free Already registered? Sign in I’ll register later
