The skies will be getting busier as aviation giants Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways make major fleet expansions. While Qatar Airways has placed the largest aircraft order in its history with Boeing, including up to 210 widebody jets, Etihad Airways has confirmed an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft.
Qatar Airways’ historic order
Qatar Airways’ landmark order includes 160 firm and 50 option aircraft from Boeing, comprising 130 787 Dreamliners and 30 777-9s. The airline has also signed an agreement with GE Aerospace for more than 400 engines, including 60 GE9X and 260 GEnx engines, to power its next-generation Boeing aircraft.
“This is a critical next step for Qatar Airways on our path as we invest in the cleanest, youngest, and most efficient fleet in global aviation,” said Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer. “We’re not simply chasing scale; we’re building strength that will allow us to continue to deliver our unmatched products and customer experiences.”
Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Stephanie Pope, said: “We are deeply honoured that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its centre.”
GE Aerospace Chairman and CEO, H. Lawrence Culp, Jr., added: “We are extremely honoured to deepen our relationship with Qatar Airways and grateful to them for placing their trust in us with our largest ever widebody engine deal.”
Etihad Airways’ fleet expansion
Etihad Airways is further expanding its fleet, confirming an order for 28 wide-body Boeing aircraft, including a mix of 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. The aircraft are expected to join the fleet from 2028 onwards and will support Etihad’s existing plans for growth in connectivity, operational efficiency, and guest experience.
“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. “Etihad’s continued growth supports broader economic opportunity in the UAE and beyond.”
As these two aviation giants take to the skies, one thing is clear – the future of air travel is about to get an upgrade, and we look forward to exploring more destinations with them.
