Day two of the Dubai Airshow 2025 delivered a powerful signal of renewed fleet investment, strengthened manufacturer–airline partnerships, and an accelerating shift toward more efficient and sustainable aircraft. Carriers across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe announced major orders spanning commercial, cargo, military, and future-flight segments, underscoring the show’s role as a global hub for aerospace strategy and innovation.
Etihad Airways Expands Widebody Fleet With A330neo, A350-1000 and A350F Orders
Etihad Airways reinforced its long-term fleet modernisation strategy with a significant order for Airbus widebody aircraft, becoming the newest customer for the A330neo. The airline placed firm orders for six A330-900s, seven additional A350-1000s—bringing its total for the type to 27—and three A350F freighters, expanding its A350F commitment to 10 aircraft.
The deal was signed at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad also revealed commitments to lease nine A330-900s from Avolon, further broadening its medium- and long-haul fleet capability.
“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO, emphasising the efficiency gains and network flexibility of the new additions. He noted that the A350F will significantly enhance Etihad Cargo’s capabilities amid rising global freight demand.
Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry highlighted the carrier’s continued investment in next-generation platforms, stressing that the combined A330neo and A350 fleet will deliver “unmatched efficiency and flexibility” as Etihad expands its global footprint.
flydubai Places Landmark Order for 150 A321neo Aircraft
In one of the day’s most notable developments, flydubai signed an MoU with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, marking the carrier’s first-ever Airbus order and signalling a shift in fleet diversification strategy.
The signing ceremony, attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum and Airbus CEO Commercial Aircraft Christian Scherer, underscored Dubai’s long-term growth vision and the alignment of the order with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“This agreement represents another important milestone in flydubai’s journey,” said Sheikh Ahmed. “It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and aligns with Dubai’s economic transformation agenda.”
Morocco Orders Ten Airbus H225M Helicopters
The Kingdom of Morocco signed a contract with Airbus Helicopters for ten H225M aircraft, designated for combat search and rescue missions and set to replace the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s ageing Puma fleet.
Airbus Helicopters CEO Bruno Even said the order reflects decades of partnership and reinforces the H225M’s reputation as a benchmark platform for demanding operations. The helicopters will be equipped with an advanced electro-optical system, double hoist, searchlight, electronic warfare suite, and provisions for machine guns.
The agreement includes a comprehensive support and services package to ensure long-term operational readiness.
Ethiopian Airlines Orders 11 Additional Boeing 737 MAX Aircraft
Africa’s largest airline, Ethiopian Airlines, strengthened its narrowbody fleet with a commitment for 11 Boeing 737-8 aircraft, reinforcing its regional and international expansion plans.
“The order supports our long-term growth strategy,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “Our partnership with Boeing continues to grow, and these aircraft will help us deliver high-performance service across our network.”
Boeing Commercial Sales SVP Brad McMullen emphasised Ethiopian’s leadership in Africa and the strategic importance of the nearly 80-year partnership with the airline.
Air Europa Signs MoU for Up to 40 Airbus A350-900s
Spanish carrier Air Europa unveiled an MoU with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900s, marking a major step in its widebody fleet renewal programme. The order will accelerate the phase-out of older long-haul aircraft and support growth on key Latin American routes.
“The A350-900 is a game-changer for our long-haul operations,” said Air Europa President Juan José Hidalgo, citing its fuel efficiency, range, and passenger comfort.
Airbus EVP Sales Benoît de Saint-Exupéry described the agreement as a strategic endorsement of the A350’s status as the benchmark platform for long-haul operations.
JEKTA and Tahseen Partner to Assess Future of Amphibious Aviation in the GCC
Swiss aerospace innovator JEKTA signed an LOI with UAE-based Tahseen Aviation Services to explore the potential for sustainable amphibious aircraft operations across the GCC, Africa, and Asia.
The collaboration will focus on JEKTA’s zero-emission PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft, designed to operate from water, paved, or unpaved runways—supporting regional tourism, business travel, logistics, and oil and gas field access.
JEKTA CEO George Alafinov said the aircraft’s multi-environment capability offers strong advantages in a region where infrastructure expansion cannot always keep pace with demand.
Sanad and Abu Dhabi Airports Sign 50-Year Musataha Agreement to Advance UAE Aerospace Cluster
Sanad, a Mubadala-owned global aerospace engineering leader, signed a long-term Musataha agreement with Abu Dhabi Airports, securing 70,000 m² within the Al Ain Aerospace Park for future development.
The site will support Sanad’s next-generation facilities, including a new Pratt & Whitney GTF™ MRO centre and a twin test-cell complex. The agreement, signed in the presence of senior executives from Mubadala and ADAC, strengthens Al Ain’s position as a centre of excellence for advanced aerospace manufacturing and MRO.
Ethiopian Airlines Strengthens A350 Fleet With Six Additional A350-900s
Ethiopian Airlines also expanded its Airbus widebody fleet, placing a firm order for six A350-900s, reinforcing its position as Africa’s largest A350 operator.
“This milestone supports our vision to grow sustainably while offering world-class passenger experience,” said CEO Mesfin Tasew.
Airbus highlighted the A350’s 25% improvement in fuel burn, operating cost, and CO₂ emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft, alongside its next-generation Airspace cabin design.
Emirates Named ‘Best Airline in the World’ for 8th Consecutive Year at ULTRAs
Closing the day on a celebratory note, Emirates secured the ULTRAs ‘Best Airline in the World’ award for the eighth consecutive year. The airline also won ‘Best Premium Economy Class’, while Emirates President Sir Tim Clark received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Services to Global Aviation.
Sir Tim credited the airline’s unwavering commitment to elevating the passenger experience and continuous investment in fleet upgrades, network expansion, and digital innovation.
