The Dubai Airshow 2025 concluded today after five intense days of aviation activity, attracting more than 1,500 exhibitors, hundreds of aircraft and industry leaders from around the world. While much of the spotlight has been on fast aircraft and flight displays, the air cargo sector has also been making big waves. From major freight commitments to next-generation logistics technology, the freight announcements at this year’s event provided a clear glimpse into where the sector is heading.
Read: Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 4: Highlights and key announcements
However, the final day witnessed tragedy, as an Indian HAL Tejas LCA MK-1A fighter jet crashed during a flight display. The accident occurred over the show’s airspace shortly before the closing ceremony. The Israeli Air Force officially announced the death of the plane’s pilot.
The IAF’s official social media account confirmed the event:
“The Indian Air Force regrets to inform that a Tejas aircraft was involved in an accident during the flight display at the Dubai Air Show. Further details will follow.”
Throughout the week, the shipping sector put on a strong showing with new freight orders, advances in automation, and bold visions for the future of logistics.
Dubai Airshow 2025: A quick look at key trade orders and commitments
| Manufacturer | client | Airplanes | Quantity/condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | The UAE | 777-9 | 65 companies |
| Ethiopian Airlines | 737-8 | 11 companies (options exercised) | |
| Air Senegal | 737 Max 8 | 9 agreement | |
| Gulf Air | 787 | 15 companies + 3 options | |
| flydubai | 737 Max | 75 memorandums of understanding + 75 options | |
| FlySafair (via AerCap) | 737 Max 8/737-800 | 3 + 2 (rent) | |
| Airbus | flydubai | A321neo family | Up to 150 |
| Etihad Airways | A330-900, A350-1000, A350F | 16 companies (6+7+3) | |
| Air Europa | A350-900 | Up to 40 (MoU) | |
| Ethiopian Airlines | A350-900 | 6 company | |
| The UAE | A350-900 | 8 company | |
| The Silk Road to the West | A350F aircraft | 2 companies | |
| Uzbekistan Airlines | A321neo | 6 (Lessor Placement) | |
| Al Buraq Air | A320neo family | 10 memorandum of understanding | |
| Airbus helicopters | Morocco | H225M | 10 companies |
| Presto group | H 160 | Up to 5 (rent) | |
| Embraer | Air Cote DIvoire | E175 | 4 companies + 8 purchase rights |
| de Havilland Canada | India One Air | DHC-6 Twin Otter 300-G | Up to 10 (speech) |
Here are the most important shipping developments from Dubai Airshow 2025:
Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous sign a memorandum of understanding to explore drone-powered delivery solutions
Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous signed a memorandum of understanding at the Dubai Airshow 2025, to explore the development and deployment of next-generation air cargo solutions.
The agreement was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates Senior Vice President, Cargo, and Rashid Al Mannai, CEO of LODD Autonomous. Under the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate to validate the use of vertical take-off and landing aircraft across the airline’s extensive global network, through feasibility studies, regulatory engagement and live demonstrations. Leveraging more than four decades of experience in the global movement of goods, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in pilot operations of LODD until the end of 2027, providing insight to guide design and development, with a view to commercial deployment in regional and global markets.
This agreement comes on the heels of the first successful test flight of LODD’s Heli, a heavy-duty hybrid cargo drone developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi. The Heli is fully autonomous from take-off to landing, offering a payload capacity of up to 250 kilograms and travel distances of up to 700 kilometres. As Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in future-proof technologies for the smooth movement of goods, the Heli aircraft will be considered for joining the company’s ground fleet, to manage operations through the dual airport hub.
Commenting on the signing, Badr Abbas said: “This partnership with LODD reflects our commitment to providing innovative products that solve the transportation challenges faced by our customers. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates Air Cargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise in developing innovations that achieve tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this technology developed by the UAE.”
Read: Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 3: Etihad Airways and Silk Way West enhance cargo fleets and Emirates expands its A350 order book
Rashid Mattar Al Mannai, CEO of LODD Autonomous, commented: “The UAE’s vision is to harness innovation to move everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s leading technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable and sustainable logistics. Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, shorten delivery times and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while maintaining the highest standards. For Safety and Excellence “organizational.”
Etihad Airways expands its freighter fleet with new orders
Etihad Airways has announced a major expansion of its Airbus widebody fleet with the placement of a firm order for six A330-900 aircraft, becoming the newest customer for the A330neo. In addition, the airline revealed an order for seven additional A350-1000 aircraft (bringing its total of the type to 27) and three A350F aircraft (bringing the airline’s A350F commitment to 10 aircraft).
The agreement was signed during the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad Airways also announced its commitment to lease nine A330-900 aircraft from Avolon.
“These aircraft enhance our operations across medium, long-haul and cargo. The A330neo provides the right mix of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and medium-haul growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network. The A350F freighter adds significant capacity to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of them,” said Antonaldo Neves. CEO of Etihad Airways:
Read: Dubai Airshow 2025: A historic flight with an electric helicopter and a $52 billion Boeing deal
Silk Way West Airlines has ordered two additional cargo aircraft
Baku, Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West Airlines has signed a firm contract for two additional A350F freighters. The agreement, which brings the total order to four A350F aircraft, forms the backbone of Silk Way West Airlines’ fleet modernization and expansion strategy.
Wolfgang Mayer, President, Silk Way West Airlines, said: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F programme. This order, which brings our total commitment to four aircraft, represents a significant milestone in our company’s growth and reflects our confidence in the future of sustainable air freight. The A350F will strengthen our leadership position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernize our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint.”
“This repeat order from Silk Way West Airlines, the largest cargo airline in the Caspian region, is a major vote of confidence as the A350F literally takes shape on our assembly lines,” said Benoit de Saint-Exupery, Airbus Executive Vice President Sales for Commercial Aircraft Business. “The A350F will ensure the airline maintains its leading position in the global air cargo market and enable its key role in developing Azerbaijan as a major global cargo hub in the heart of the Silk Road.”
Boeing delivers another 777F to AIR ONE
Air One International Holdings has taken delivery of its second Boeing 777 freighter within three months as part of the group’s plan to expand its fleet of twin-engine freighters. One Air, the group’s British cargo airline, will operate the aircraft.
The new 107-ton freighter was delivered from Boeing’s production line in Everett, Washington. It is the second 777F to join the managed fleet as Air One builds on its long-term fleet modernization plan. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at East Midlands Airport on November 19 and will begin commercial operations on the Hong Kong to East Midlands route.
Read: Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 2: Highlights and key announcements
Air One launched scheduled services on this route in early September, and it is operated four times a week by One Air. The company stated that it operated more than 3,000 wide-body cargo flights, transporting more than 300 million kilograms of cargo between Asia and Europe. The additional 777F will operate alongside a managed fleet of 11 Boeing 747 freighters.
“The Boeing 777 Freighter is a premium freighter,” said Peter Scholten, Air One’s chief commercial officer. “The delivery of a second 777F strengthens our ability to provide consistent, high-quality services on key trade lanes between Asia and Europe. It also reflects our focus on operational reliability and long-term commitment to developing a modern, efficient fleet capable of meeting our customers’ increasing air freight demands.”
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