Key facts
- Etihad Airways ordered 28 Boeing 787 and 777X jets.
- The Etihad Airways order is valued at $14.5 billion.
- Etihad Airways expects deliveries to begin in 2028.
- Etihad Airways aims to double its fleet size by 2030.
- Airbus delivered 351 aircraft in the first half of 2026.
- Airbus deliveries increased by 15% in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025.
- Airbus delivered 89 jets in June 2026.
- Airbus's first-half delivery performance in 2026 is its strongest since 2019.
- Airbus reduced its 20-year passenger aircraft demand forecast by 1%.
- Airbus cited the Iran war and trade tensions for the forecast reduction.
Etihad Airways has confirmed a significant order for 28 Boeing wide-body aircraft, comprising 787 Dreamliners and 777X jets, with an estimated value of $14.5 billion. These aircraft will be powered by GE engines. The initial deliveries are slated to commence in 2028. This strategic acquisition is a key component of Etihad's ambitious plan to double the size of its fleet by the year 2030.
In parallel, Airbus has announced its first-half 2026 delivery figures, reporting a total of 351 aircraft handed over to customers. This represents a 15% increase compared to the same period in 2025. The month of June alone saw Airbus deliver 89 jets, contributing to what the company describes as its strongest first-half performance since 2019.
Despite the positive delivery numbers, Airbus has revised its long-term industry outlook. The company has lowered its 20-year forecast for global passenger aircraft demand by 1%. This adjustment is attributed to geopolitical and economic factors, specifically mentioning the ongoing Iran war and existing trade tensions, which are impacting airline operations and growth expectations. While Airbus still projects robust demand, particularly from the Asian market, the company acknowledges that its earlier, more optimistic growth projections have been moderated by these current global conditions.