Pilotcenter.net News: Boeing Clinches Major Aircraft Order during President Trump's Gulf Visit

During President Donald Trump’s recent four-day tour of the Persian Gulf, US manufacturer Boeing scored its second aircraft order directly tied to the visit. Making a grand entrance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 15, 2024, President Trump witnessed the announcement that Etihad Airways, a prominent flag carrier in the country, had inked a deal for 28 widebody aircraft amounting to a whopping $14.5 billion.

The agreement with Etihad encompasses a fleet mix of Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 777Xs equipped with cutting-edge GE Aerospace engines. A White House spokesperson emphasized that this investment by Etihad reinforces the robust aviation partnership between the UAE and the United States, fostering American manufacturing, bolstering exports, and sustaining around 60,000 US jobs.

Etihad Airways reiterated on May 16, 2025, that the procurement of the new aircraft mirrors its strategic initiative to adapt its fleet to meet the evolving network and operational requirements. President Trump’s Gulf tour, which also included stops in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, culminated on May 16, 2025.

While in Abu Dhabi, President Trump highlighted the United States’ accomplishment of securing over $200 billion in commercial agreements with Qatar, which adds up to more than $2 trillion in investment deals within the Gulf region. Notably, on May 14, 2025, Qatar Airways closed the largest-ever Boeing widebody order by acquiring 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9s, with the option for an additional 50 aircraft.

Mohammed Al-Meer, the CEO of Qatar Airways, expressed, “This milestone marks a pivotal progression for Qatar Airways as we invest in environmentally friendly, modern, and highly efficient fleet in the global aviation industry. Our aim is to cater to the burgeoning demand while seamlessly connecting passengers worldwide like no other.”

This flurry of aircraft acquisitions and strategic alliances underscores the evolving landscape of aviation partnerships in the Gulf and reflects the continued collaboration between leading airlines and manufacturers to meet the future demands of air travel.