Etihad Near Deal for 10 Boeing 787s; Farnborough Awaited

Etihad Airways is closing in on an order for 10 Boeing 787 widebody jets, Reuters reported, citing people familiar with the talks. An announcement could come as early as the Farnborough International Airshow later this month.

The deal would be one of the largest for the 787 program this year. Boeing has been gradually ramping up 787 deliveries after resolving production defects that had slowed output for nearly two years. A fresh order from a Gulf carrier like Etihad, which has shifted its strategy toward fleet simplification and cost discipline, would signal confidence in the aircraft's long-term role.

Etihad had been weighing a fleet renewal plan that included options for both the 787 and the Airbus A350. The decision to select Boeing's twin-aisle jet suggests the airline is prioritizing commonality with its existing fleet – it already operates roughly 40 787-9s and 787-10s. The 10 new jets are likely to be 787-9 or 787-10 variants, the sources said, though the exact mix has not been finalized.

For Boeing, the order provides a modest but welcome boost to its widebody backlog. The company ended the first quarter with 585 unfilled 787 orders, a figure that has been growing slowly as airlines resume long-haul expansion plans. The Etihad deal alone would add roughly $3 billion to the backlog at list prices, though actual purchase prices are typically discounted.

Traders watching the stock can track price action and key levels on the BA stock page. The Farnborough Airshow runs July 22-26, a traditional venue for large commercial aircraft orders. Boeing's last major announcement at the show came in 2022, when it booked orders for over 100 737 MAX jets from multiple carriers.

A formal announcement would depend on final negotiations, which remain subject to change, the people said. Etihad and Boeing declined to comment.