Donald Trump has announced a $14.5 billion deal between US aviation giants and Etihad Airways during his recent tour of the Middle East. The agreement includes Etihad’s purchase of 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft—787 Dreamliners and next-generation 777X models—fitted with GE Aerospace engines. Deliveries will begin in 2028 as part of Etihad’s strategic expansion to over 170 aircraft by 2030.
The Etihad order was one of several major commercial announcements made during Trump’s visit to the United Arab Emirates. The broader package totals over $200 billion in deals between the US and the UAE. Among these is a new “AI Acceleration Partnership” between the two countries and the unveiling of a massive 5GW artificial intelligence campus in Abu Dhabi, touted as the largest outside the US.
In Saudi Arabia, Trump signed a $142 billion defence agreement covering a wide array of military technology. However, talks over the sale of F-35 fighter jets remain in a delicate stage due to US commitments to Israel’s security edge.
Trump also stopped in Qatar, where Qatar Airways confirmed an order for 160 Boeing jets, with an option for 50 more. The deal, worth up to $96 billion, could be one of the largest aircraft orders in history.
The trip marks Trump’s return to high-stakes diplomacy, this time with a focus on securing industrial and technological deals that showcase his administration’s preference for transactional foreign policy. While the tour was heavy on commerce, critics noted the absence of human rights discussions or clear diplomatic goals on regional conflicts.
Whether these massive agreements translate into lasting influence or simply reflect short-term alignment of economic interests remains to be seen.
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