What does Etihad’s Big Boeing deal say about the airline’s future fleet?
During his visit to the UAE, US President Donald J.Trump announced a US $14.5 billion deal between Etihad Airways, Boeing, and GE Aerospace for 28 wide-bodied Boeing airliners, divided between the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the still-to-be certified 777X. All will be powered by GE engines, and deliveries are expected to start in 2028. Etihad did not disclose how many of each type it plans to take.
The White House emphasized the deal’s importance in strengthening US-UAE aviation ties, and in boosting American manufacturing and exports. The announcement came after a firm order for 20 Boeing 737-8s (and options for an additional 10) from Saudi Arabia’s AviLease, and a US $96 billion order from Qatar Airways for 130 Model 787 Dreamliners (this setting the record as the largest Dreamliner order), and 30 777-9 aircraft, plus 50 Boeing 787 and 777-9 options.
Etihad’s 100-aircraft fleet is today divided between 43 Airbus airliners (14 A320s, one A320neo, nine A321s, six A321neo, six A350s, and seven A380s – three of these in storage) and 57 Boeings (33 Boeing 787-9s, ten Boeing 787-10s, nine Boeing 777-300ERs, and five Boeing 777F freighters).
Current orders will tip the balance further in Boeing’s favour, with 34 Airbus aircraft on order (20 Airbus A321XLRs, and 14 Airbus A350-1000s), and 53 (now 81) Boeing airliners (8 Boeing 777-8s, 17 Boeing 777-9s, 8 Boeing 787-9s and 20 Boeing 787-10s). Ten A350F freighters are also on order.
Etihad originally placed an order for 25 Boeing 777Xs, including eight 777-8s and 17 777-9s in 2013, but Etihad’s CEO later indicated that this order had been restructured, and that the 777X no longer played a part in the carrier’s five year plan. Originally launched in November 2013, the 777X programme has been delayed again and again, and deliveries are now expected (to Lufthansa) from 2026.
Etihad, owned by Abu Dhabi’s $225 billion ADQ sovereign wealth fund, has said the new order supports its strategy to modernise and expand its fleet, aligning with its goal to reach over 170 aircraft by 2030, supporting Etihad’s existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience. Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways said: “This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans. Since 2023, we’ve made consistent additions to our fleet, and this latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements.”
