UAE airline Etihad places major aircraft order with Boeing

16/05/2025 03:03 AST

Etihad Airways has confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft - marking another major order for the US aircraft maker during President Trump's visit to three Gulf states.

The Etihad deal includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft, which will have GE engines and supported by a services package. The aircraft are 'expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards'.

These will 'support Etihad's existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience'.

"Since 2023, the airline has steadily grown its fleet as part of a long-term strategy to double in size by 2030," the UAE airline said in a statement.

"This commitment reflects our approach of carefully managing our fleet and expanding in line with demand and our long-term network plans," said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways.

"Since 2023, we've made consistent additions to our fleet, and this latest step ensures we continue to meet our future requirements."

Etihad is finalising a 'detailed plan' to shape its strategy through to 2035. "The additional Boeing aircraft will form part of that evolving roadmap, ensuring the airline is well-positioned to deliver extraordinary customer experiences and to remain financially self sustainable," the statement added.

According to agency reports, the White House said Boeing and GE had received a commitment from Etihad Airways to invest $14.5 billion to buy the aircraft.

The deal also comes when talk about an imminent IPO from Etihad Airways is reaching a fever pitch. The airline's financials of the recent past show a good deal of heft, with the ongoing reworking of routes and fleets working to its favour.

Gulfnews