Etihad Airways Commits $14.5 Billion to Boeing for 28 Widebodies, and More

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Etihad Orders 28 Boeing 787s and 777Xs Worth $14.5 Billion

Etihad Airways has finalized a $14.5 billion order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, consisting of both 787 Dreamliners and next-generation 777X models.

The announcement was made on May 15, 2025, during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the UAE as part of broader $200 billion commercial agreements between the two nations.

Deliveries of these GE Aerospace-powered aircraft are scheduled to begin in 2028, supporting Etihad's ambitious fleet expansion strategy.

Key Points

• Order Value: This $14.5 billion commitment covering 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft with GE Aerospace engines represents another major boost for both manufacturers.

• Fleet Composition: The order includes both 787 Dreamliners and next-generation 777X models, though the exact distribution between types hasn't been disclosed.

• Timeline: Aircraft deliveries will commence in 2028, aligning with Etihad's long-term network development plans and operational requirements.

• Growth Trajectory: Part of Etihad's Journey 2030 strategy to expand from approximately 100 aircraft currently to more than 170 by 2030, supporting Abu Dhabi's economic diversification efforts.

• Historical Context: This order effectively reinstates much of Etihad's previous 777X commitment (originally 25 aircraft) that had been restructured in recent years.

• Regional Competitive Positioning: Follows Qatar Airways' recent order for up to 210 Boeing aircraft and Saudi lessor AviLease's commitment for 30 Boeing 737 MAX planes during the same presidential tour.

• Current Fleet Expansion: Complements Etihad's 2025 fleet growth of 20-22 aircraft, including ten Airbus A321LRs (entering service in August), six Airbus A350s, and four Boeing 787s separate from this new order.

My Final Thoughts

This reinstatement of Etihad's 777X commitment represents a strategic pivot in the Gulf carrier competitive landscape, where fleet commonality advantages are being sacrificed for operational differentiation from Emirates' A350-centric future widebody strategy.

For Boeing, securing another 777X customer amid certification challenges helps defend the program's viability against Airbus' established A350-1000 position.

The 2028 delivery timeline, positioned well after Lufthansa's anticipated 2026 entry-into-service, suggests Etihad has negotiated favorable terms while building contingency against further program delays that have plagued the 777X development since 2013.

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