The Dubai Airshow 2025 opened with landmark announcements and a record-breaking flying display, setting the tone for what is expected to be one of the most commercially significant editions in the event’s history. Dominating headlines on Day 1 were Emirates’ US$52 billion order for Boeing widebodies and the world’s first public eVTOL demonstration at a major international airshow.
Hosted at Dubai World Central (DWC), the biennial event drew government delegations, defence officials, aerospace leaders and thousands of trade visitors. Proceedings began with a ceremonial flypast by the UAE Air Force, followed by a precision aerial display from Fursan Al Emarat, performing for the first time with the Chinese-built Hongdu L-15 trainer.
But the moment that signalled a shift in aviation’s future came from Joby Aviation. Its electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft completed the first-ever live demonstration of its kind at a global airshow, executing controlled hovers and near-silent manoeuvres that highlighted the rapid progress of urban air mobility technology.
The afternoon flying programme featured strong crowd-pullers including the Boeing 777X, the Lockheed Martin F-35, and a dramatic low-altitude pass by a U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress.
Commercial Momentum: Boeing Lands $52 Billion in New Orders
Boeing secured the show’s first major deal, with Emirates placing a US$52 billion order for 65 additional 777-9 aircraft powered by GE9X engines. The commitment brings Emirates’ total 777X backlog to 205 aircraft and expands the airline’s Boeing orderbook to 315 widebodies.
The agreement includes conversion rights into a proposed new variant, the 777-10, which Boeing is studying as a further stretch of the 777X family.
Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines firmed an order for 11 more Boeing 737 MAX 8s, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest carrier. CEO Mesfin Tasew indicated that further MAX and 787 commitments may follow as the airline accelerates its growth strategy.
Regional Aviation: Embraer Announces New E-Jet Deals
Embraer also enjoyed a strong opening day.
Air Côte d’Ivoire signed a firm order for four E175 aircraft — with eight additional purchase rights — as part of its regional expansion and fleet modernisation initiative. Deliveries will begin in 2027.
Helvetic Airways of Switzerland firmed an order for three E195-E2 aircraft, with purchase options for five more. The additions could expand the carrier’s E2 fleet to 20 jets by 2026.
Connectivity Milestone: Emirates to Equip Entire Fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi
In another significant announcement, Emirates confirmed plans to install Starlink high-speed satellite connectivity across its entire widebody fleet of Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s — a total of 232 aircraft.
Installations will begin in late 2025, offering complimentary, high-bandwidth inflight internet for all passengers.
The move marks one of the largest Starlink aviation deployments to date and signals growing competition in next-generation inflight connectivity solutions.
EDGE Unveils 42 New Defence and Aerospace Products
The UAE’s EDGE Group delivered one of the day’s most expansive product launches, unveiling 42 new systems across the air and space domain. The portfolio includes new MALE-class unmanned aircraft, cruise missile engines, and advanced precision weapons.
CEO Hamad Al Marar emphasised EDGE’s rapid global expansion, noting that exports now represent more than half of the group’s revenues.
flydubai Expands Long-Haul Plans with GE GEnx Engines
Rounding out a strong day for Boeing and GE Aerospace, flydubai announced an order for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power its incoming fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The agreement—covering spare engines and long-term support—marks the airline’s first step into the long-haul market.
