President Trump just announced over $200 billion in new commercial deals between the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates, with aviation front and center.
The big one: a $14.5 billion aircraft deal between Boeing, GE Aerospace, and Etihad Airways.
Etihad is ordering 28 Boeing wide-body planes, including 787s and next-gen 777Xs, all powered by GE engines.
What it means: the deal boosts U.S. exports, supports domestic manufacturing, and deepens U.S.–UAE aviation ties. Etihad plans to add 20–22 aircraft in 2025 and scale its fleet to 170+ by 2030, mixing in Airbus A321LRs, A350s, and more 787s.
Why it matters: this is part of Abu Dhabi’s economic diversification, and for the U.S., it fuels aerospace growth and strengthens geopolitical ties. The White House called the 777X inclusion a strategic signal of deeper cooperation.
Zoom out: this comes right after Trump’s $96 billion Boeing deal with Qatar Airways and a U.S.–UK trade pact. For Trump, it’s a global business tour, and a push to reassert U.S. commercial dominance abroad.
