- The largest ever Dubai Airshow opened at DWC with a multi-billion-dollar commercial order from Emirates.
- Advanced Air Mobility took center stage, featuring an eVTOL flying display led by Joby Aviation.
- Emirates ordered 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, and Ethiopian Airlines committed to 11 additional 737 MAX jets.
- flydubai secured 60 GEnx-1B engines for its new 787 fleet, supporting its strategic long-haul expansion.
The Dubai Airshow 2025 has officially blasted off with its largest edition yet, immediately establishing itself as the epicenter for defining the future of aerospace, space, and defense. Held at Dubai World Central, the opening day delivered an electrifying start, marked by massive commercial orders and a spectacular showcase of next-generation technologies. Global industry leaders are converging in Dubai to set the agenda for advanced mobility, sustainability, and aspirational innovation on a world stage.
This year’s Airshow is distinguished by its focus on truly cutting-edge innovation, particularly in the rapidly evolving sector of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). The AAM Pavilion quickly became a hot spot for visitors eager to explore electric aircraft and the future of urban transportation.
The highlight was the eVTOL flying display, led by Joby Aviation’s revolutionary aircraft. This public demonstration included the first-ever electric vertical take-off at the event, signaling that urban air mobility is transitioning from concept to commercial reality. This vibrant, trendy shift is complemented by the largest Space Pavilion in the Airshow’s history, featuring a conference with global experts spotlighting responsible space practices and future exploration missions.
Day one reaffirmed the Middle East’s role as the anchor of global air travel demand. Emirates led the way with a significant multi-billion-dollar commercial order for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, powered by GE 9X engines, underscoring the strong confidence in air travel growth.
The momentum extended across the African and Middle Eastern continents:
- Ethiopian Airlines committed to purchasing 11 additional 737 MAX jets, supporting its strategic expansion across its regional and international networks.
- flydubai placed a new order for 60 GEnx-1B engines from GE Aerospace, directly supporting its upcoming fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and its planned long-haul operations.
Furthermore, Tawazun Council announced eight deals totaling AED 3.766 billion with major defense and services partners, highlighting the robust growth across the aerospace and defense sectors within the UAE.
The sheer scale of the 2025 Airshow, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors and 490 delegations from 115 countries, is a testament to the industry’s recovery and its focus on future-proofing. From new training agreements signed by Boeing and TAAG Angola Airlines to Airbus Helicopters welcoming Bristow Group as the newest operator of the H160 for offshore missions, day one delivered on its promise. The world’s industry leaders are converging in Dubai to define what comes next for aerospace and beyond.
The electrifying start of the Dubai Airshow 2025 has set the stage for more transformative announcements. Don’t miss the chance to see the future of flight, space, and defense unfold in real time.
Visit the official Dubai Airshow website for a detailed schedule and live updates on the next days of the event!
