- Emirates secured GCAA approval to bring major aircraft modification work and Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engine maintenance in-house.
- Ethiopian Airlines confirmed a premium seating deal with Collins Aerospace for its A350 and 737 MAX fleets.
- Royal Jordanian Airlines leased two additional Airbus A321neos from Avolon for 2027 and 2028 delivery.
- The focus shifts from new aircraft orders to long-term sustainment, efficiency, and cabin comfort upgrades.
As the Dubai Airshow 2025 draws closer to its grand finale, the fourth day demonstrated a decisive shift from massive aircraft purchases to strategic, long-term deals focusing on maintenance, efficiency, and passenger experience. Middle Eastern carriers once again dominated the headlines, with Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines making key announcements that will profoundly shape their operational futures. The focus is clear: investing in the sustainment and premium quality of the existing and incoming fleets is the new aspirational priority.
The biggest story of the day saw the host carrier, Emirates, make two significant engineering announcements, positioning itself for greater autonomy and control over its fleet’s future.
- In-House Modifications: Emirates received approval from the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) to bring major aircraft modification work in-house via supplementary type certificates. This move, which covers complex design changes and cabin reconfigurations, will provide Emirates with greater control over timelines, costs, and innovation priorities, eliminating reliance on third parties.
- Engine Maintenance Partnership: The airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rolls-Royce to bring the engine maintenance work on its Airbus A380 fleet’s Trent 900 engines in-house starting from 2027. This initiative, which includes extending the TotalCare service agreement into the 2040s and building a new specialist facility, represents a massive investment in its engineering future.
Ethiopian Airlines continued its highly vibrant week of announcements, following up on major widebody orders with a focus on onboard comfort. The airline finalized a seating deal with Collins Aerospace to provide premium seating on both its new Airbus A350 and Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, choosing the Collins Elevation and Parallel Diamond models, respectively. As Group COO Retta Melaku noted, this investment is aimed at taking “our customers’ comfort and overall flight experience to the next level.” The airline also confirmed a lease deal with Novus Aviation Capital for two additional Airbus A350-900s, adding to its recent A350 order.
Meanwhile, Royal Jordanian Airlines, a key oneworld member, also secured its future narrowbody capacity by announcing a lease agreement with major aircraft lessor Avolon for two additional Airbus A321neos. These highly efficient jets will be delivered in 2027 and 2028, supporting the carrier’s continued expansion across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.
Day four reinforced that the Dubai Airshow is not just about the launch of new jets; it’s about securing the long-term, reliable operational excellence of the global fleet. By focusing on advanced maintenance capabilities and premium passenger products, Middle Eastern carriers are strategically building a powerful, sustainable future in aviation.
Keep an eye on Emirates Engineering for updates on their in-house modification capabilities and the new Rolls-Royce maintenance facility!
