- The Dubai Airshow 2025 kicked off today with a wave of major announcements, most notably Emirates’ $52 billion order for Boeing aircraft, and the first-ever public flight of an electric helicopter at a major global air show.
- The opening day of the event, held at Dubai World Central (DWC), attracted delegations from defense companies, aviation executives and thousands of trade visitors, with temperatures soaring and planes roaring overhead.
- The UAE Air Force kicked off its activities with a ceremonial flyover, followed by a meticulous display by the UAE Knights, now flying the Chinese-made Hongdu L-15 training aircraft. But it was the electric air taxi developed by Joby Aviation that marked a turning point in the airshow industry – the first time an eVTOL aircraft has flown live at an international show, offering a glimpse into the future of urban air mobility.
- Visitors enjoyed displays from B-52s, F-35s, Boeing 77Xs and much more throughout the afternoon. You can watch the full first day flight display here.
What happened at Dubai Airshow 2025, Day 1: Orders, aircraft debuts and flight displays
In a historic debut at a major international air show, Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi took to the skies at a public aviation display, making quiet flights and slow turns that underscored the mature performance of eVTOL technology.
The flying display included crowd-pulling displays of Boeing 777Xs, F-35s, and exciting B-52 flybys, among other aircraft.
Boeing secures orders worth $52 billion, led by Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines
The news cycle was dominated by commercials, as Boeing secured its first major order at the show from Emirates, a $52 billion deal that includes an additional 65 777X aircraft, bringing the total 777X backlog to 205 aircraft.
“Emirates Airlines announced orders for an additional 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, powered by General Electric 9X engines, worth US$38 billion at announced prices, on the opening day of the Dubai Airshow 2025. This brings the carrier’s total orders with Boeing to 315 wide-body aircraft, including 270 Boeing 777X aircraft, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing aircraft. 787. with GE Aerospace for GE9X engines to a total of 540 units including an additional 130 units signed today.
The order includes flexibility to convert future deliveries to the newly proposed model, the 777-10, which Boeing is now considering as a longer extension to the 9-9.
Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines has purchased another 11 737 MAX 8 aircraft, signaling continued fleet growth across Africa’s largest airline. CEO Mesfin Tasio hinted that more MAX and 787 orders may follow.
Embraer books regional jet deals with Helvetic and Air Côte d’Ivoire
Regional aircraft manufacturer Embraer also had a productive first day, announcing four E175 aircraft for Air Cote d’Ivoire, expected to be delivered in 2027. The aircraft will be designed in a two-class layout as the airline expands its regional operations.
Swiss airline Helvetic Airways has confirmed an order for three E195-E2 aircraft, with an option to purchase five more. The new aircraft will begin arriving in 2026, which could increase the Helvetic E2 fleet to 20 aircraft.
“Air Côte d’Ivoire, the flag carrier of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft, with eight additional purchase rights, as part of its fleet modernization and regional expansion strategy. The first E175 is scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2027, and the deal will be added to Embraer’s backlog in the fourth quarter of 2025.”
Emirates Airlines intends to deploy Starlink on its entire fleet of wide-body aircraft
In a separate announcement, Emirates confirmed that it will equip its entire fleet of 777 and A350 aircraft – numbering 232 aircraft – with high-speed Starlink Internet, providing free Wi-Fi on board for all passengers. Installations are scheduled to begin next year.
This step confirms the growing interest of airlines in the next generation of air connectivity, especially over long-distance networks.
“Emirates will deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, starting with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and completing deployment by mid-2027.
The complimentary high-speed service provides high-quality internet at cruise altitudes, reinforcing the airline’s long-standing commitment to industry-leading in-flight connectivity.
EDGE launches 42 new products
UAE’s Edge Group is showcasing a total of 42 new aerospace products at the Dubai Airshow to expand the company’s and the UAE’s capabilities by adding cruise missile engines, new types of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, and a new cruise missile to its production portfolio.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of Edge Group, said: “From a bold idea to a global powerhouse, we have now launched 42 new products in a single day and more than 250 products across our portfolio. We are not only catering to the local market, we are competing globally, with exports now accounting for more than 53 per cent of our revenue.”
Flydubai selects GE GEnx to purchase new Dreamliner aircraft
Complementing Boeing’s strong offer, flydubai signed a deal to purchase 60 GE GEnx-1B engines to power its recently ordered 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The agreement includes spare parts and long-term support as the airline prepares to launch long-haul flights.
“We have announced an order with GE Aerospace for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power our first fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The agreement, signed at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support our growing fleet.”
About the Author
