Donald Trump has revealed agreements worth over $200 billion between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, which includes a significant $14.5 billion investment involving Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways. This announcement was made during his recent multi-day visit to the Middle East, emphasizing the intent to bolster relations between the US and the Gulf nation.
On Thursday, the White House announced that Boeing and GE had secured a commitment from Etihad Airways to spend $14.5 billion on purchasing 28 US-manufactured Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft that will be equipped with GE engines.
According to the White House, “By incorporating the next-generation 777X into its fleet plan, this investment strengthens the long-standing commercial aviation relationship between the UAE and the United States, stimulating American manufacturing and enhancing exports.”
Last month, Antonoaldo Neves, the CEO of Etihad, indicated that the airline intended to introduce 20 to 22 new airplanes to its current fleet of around 100 aircraft this year. The goal is to expand the fleet to over 170 planes by 2030, supporting Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification objectives.
Etihad, which is funded by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion sovereign wealth fund ADQ, has undergone a multi-year restructuring and management transformation but has seen growth under Neves’s leadership.
He mentioned that among the new aircraft being added this year, 10 would be Airbus A321LRs, which the airline officially launched on Monday and is set to begin operations in August. Additionally, the recent acquisitions include six Airbus A350s and four Boeing 787s.
This announcement follows a Wednesday report indicating that Boeing had secured its largest contract for wide-body aircraft to date, with a $96 billion order for Boeing jets from Qatar.
The recent flurry of deals comes as the US president approaches the conclusion of his Middle East tour, albeit amid controversy. Earlier this week, he announced plans to accept a $400 million luxury jumbo jet from the Qatari government, raising several ethical issues.
Trump has reaffirmed his intention to receive the aircraft as the new Air Force One, with plans to subsequently transfer it to his presidential library. “We are the United States of America, and I think we should have the most impressive plane,” he stated on Wednesday.