Today's announcement kicks off the Middle East's main commercial aviation event, which is expected to bring significant orders for Boeing and rival Airbus as Gulf carriers pour money into expanding their fleets and routes.
The Etihad contract includes 30 787-10 Dreamliners and 25 of Boeing's popular new 777X airplanes. The additional aircraft will be used for cargo service.
The deal is an important nod of support for the Dreamliner, which has suffered groundings over battery problems. Boeing's 777X is meant to compete with the new Airbus A350.