- Airbus dominated day two, confirming a multifaceted order from Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier, Etihad Airways.
- In a historic move, flydubai signed an MoU for 150 Airbus A321neo jets, valued at $24 billion.
- Ethiopian Airlines placed further orders for the Airbus A350-900, emphasizing its fleet diversification strategy.
- Gulf Air signed a definitive purchase agreement for up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, strengthening its long-haul fleet.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 continued its relentless pace on day two, shifting the focus decisively to the European aerospace giant, Airbus. After Boeing dominated the opening, its rival took center stage, securing major orders from Middle Eastern powerhouses and further expanding its global reach. The flurry of announcements, totaling billions of dollars, underscores the fierce competition and the strong, aspirational intent of regional carriers to expand their global networks and secure the most efficient next-generation aircraft.
Day two delivered two seismic announcements involving major Middle Eastern airlines and Airbus.
First, Etihad Airways, the Abu Dhabi-based flag carrier, placed a multifaceted order involving the A330neo, the larger A350-1000, and the A350F freighter models. The A330neo is a new model for Etihad, marking a strategic move to optimize its mid-to-long-haul fleet capabilities.
Shortly afterward came the biggest surprise: flydubai, a long-time all-Boeing low-cost carrier and Emirates partner, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 150 A321neos. This historic deal, valued at $24 billion, signals a major diversification strategy aimed at fueling growth out of Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) beginning in 2031. Christian Scherer, Airbus’ Commercial CEO, emphasized that this decision is a strong endorsement of the A321neo’s superior range, efficiency, and passenger comfort.
Ethiopian Airlines demonstrated its intent to retain its crown as Africa’s largest and youngest airline by placing further orders across multiple manufacturers. The airline committed to six additional examples of the Airbus A350-900, cementing its appreciation for the next-generation widebody.
This was in addition to its day-one order of Boeing 737 MAX 8s, and a separate lease deal confirmed today with ATR for two brand-new ATR 72-600 turboprops. This aggressive diversification strategy across Airbus, Boeing, and ATR demonstrates Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to securing its status as a major global and regional player by ensuring it has the most efficient aircraft for every mission profile, from domestic connectivity in Africa to long-haul international routes.
While Airbus commanded the headlines, Boeing continued to finalize important deals, underscoring its enduring strength in the region. Gulf Air, Bahrain’s flag carrier, signed a definitive purchase agreement for up to 18 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The terms were firmed up to 15 firm orders and three options, reinforcing the airline’s commitment to the modern, efficient widebody jet. Additionally, AerCap announced a lease agreement with South African low-cost carrier FlySafair for five Boeing 737 family jets.
As the second day concluded with an impressive tally of deals, the vibrant atmosphere and sheer volume of business confirm that the Dubai Airshow is the premier event for defining the future of global air transport.
Keep following the Dubai Airshow for more milestone announcements and insights into the future of international air travel!
