Contracts at the 2017 Dubai Airshow netted American companies more than $44 billion for commercial aircraft and defense-related equipment from United Arab Emirates (UAE) customers.
Lockheed Martin agreed to a $1.6 billion deal to upgrade the UAE Air Force’s 80 F-16 fighter jets. The F-16 is the bulk of the UAE’s fleet.
Another $684 million order was accepted from Raytheon for precision-guided munitions.
Boeing also received several orders.
From Emirates Airline, it received a $15.1 billion order for 40 787-10 Dreamliner aircraft. Emirates was the launch customer for the 777X. The airline also is the world’s largest operator of Boeing 777.
From UAE-based regional airline flydubai, it received a $27 billion order for 225 Boeing 737 MAX single-aisle jets. This is the largest single-aisle jet order by a Middle East carrier on record. flydubai has ordered 361 Boeing 737s, 63 of which have been delivered.
UAE-based airlines have ordered more than 800 Boeing aircraft, according to the company.
“U.S. companies remain the preferred supplier for UAE commercial and military aviation requirements,” UAE Ambassador Yousef Al Otaiba said. “U.S. exports of commercial and military aircraft, services and equipment to the UAE make up the largest share of America’s $19 billion trade surplus with the UAE.”