- Emirates placed a huge order for 65 more Boeing 777-9s, pushing for a stretched 777-10 model.
- Boeing announced multiple orders, including deals for the 737 MAX with Air Senegal and Ethiopian Airlines.
- Emirates unveiled plans to install Starlink WiFi on 232 A380 and 777 jets, launching next week.
- flydubai selected GE Aerospace’s GEnx-1B engine for its 30 new Boeing 787 widebody aircraft.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 has officially soared to life, and the opening day delivered a spectacle of major deals and aerial displays that set the tone for the entire week. It was a day of record-breaking confidence, particularly for the host country’s flagship carriers. With massive orders from Emirates and a spectacular comeback from Boeing on the order books, the aviation world’s focus is firmly fixed on the Middle East. The pace and scale of the deals underscore the region’s dominant and aspirational role in global air travel.
As the hometown hero, Emirates made headlines both on the tarmac and in the skies. The biggest announcement was the UAE flag carrier’s commitment to securing its future widebody fleet with a massive order for another 65 examples of the Boeing 777-9. This move solidifies the airline’s preference for the next-generation aircraft and demonstrates its confidence in long-haul, high-capacity routes. Notably, the airline is already pushing Boeing to conduct a feasibility study into a potential stretched 777-10 model to optimize high-demand operations.
The excitement wasn’t limited to the hardware. Emirates also provided a key update on the onboard passenger experience: Emirates will install Starlink WiFi on 232 of its Airbus A380 and Boeing 777 jets, launching the network next week. This initiative signals a commitment to vibrant connectivity that meets the expectations of the modern, tech-savvy traveler. The airline also captivated spectators by flying all three of its current passenger aircraft types in a striking formation display.
After a quiet period at recent major airshows, Boeing bounced back in spectacular fashion with multiple significant orders announced on day one. Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline, exercised options to buy 11 more 737 MAX 8 jets, strengthening its existing backlog. Additionally, Air Senegal signed a letter of intent for up to 15 737 MAX 8 jets.
The momentum continued with regional carriers making strategic moves:
- flydubai selected GE Aerospace GEnx-1B engines to power its 30 new 787 widebody jets, securing the propulsion for its future expansion.
- Jazeera Airways, the Kuwaiti low-cost carrier, confirmed a deal with Expliseat for its lightweight TiSeat 2X seats, allowing more seats to be installed across its Airbus A320 family fleet for greater efficiency.
These announcements highlight a deep confidence in the aviation industry’s recovery and its rapid push toward next-generation efficiency and passenger experience.
The opening day of the Dubai Airshow proved that the Middle East remains the epicentre of global aviation ambition. From massive fleet commitments to the adoption of cutting-edge passenger technology, the focus is squarely on speed, capacity, and a greatly enhanced travel experience.
Follow the remaining days of the Dubai Airshow for more updates on the future of air travel and aerospace innovation!
