The Dubai Airshow 2025 opened with a powerful display of commercial momentum and technological innovation, marked by Emirates’ US$52 billion order for Boeing widebodies and the world’s first public eVTOL flight at a major international aviation event. For the cargo community, Day 1 underscored rising demand for long-haul capacity, next-generation connectivity, and advanced defence systems that will shape the future of global logistics.
Held at Dubai World Central (DWC), the show welcomed defence delegations, cargo operators, integrators, OEMs and global freight leaders. The UAE Air Force inaugurated the programme with a ceremonial flypast, followed by a refined display by Fursan Al Emarat, now flying the Hongdu L-15 trainer.
However, the most future-leaning moment came from Joby Aviation, whose electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft performed the first-ever live flight demonstration at an international airshow—an important milestone for next-gen urban logistics and point-to-point cargo delivery solutions in the years ahead.
The flying schedule also featured appearances from the Boeing 777X, F-35, and a dramatic B-52 flypast, drawing strong interest from commercial and cargo operators evaluating future fleet investments.
Boeing Secures US$52bn in Orders, Strengthening Widebody Pipeline
Boeing dominated the commercial news cycle with a US$52 billion order from Emirates for 65 additional 777-9 aircraft powered by GE9X engines. The deal expands Emirates’ total 777X backlog to 205 aircraft and reflects ongoing demand for high-capacity twin-engine jets critical to long-haul passenger and belly-cargo operations.
The agreement includes conversion rights for Boeing’s proposed 777-10 variant, signalling potential future expansion in payload and range capability.
Ethiopian Airlines also committed to 11 more 737 MAX 8 aircraft, reinforcing fleet growth across Africa’s largest carrier and supporting expanding regional cargo networks.
Embraer Advances Regional Connectivity with New E-Jet Orders
Embraer announced two key deals:
- Air Côte d’Ivoire placed a firm order for four E175s, with eight purchase rights, enhancing regional network efficiency and belly-cargo capacity. Deliveries begin in 2027.
- Helvetic Airways firmed an order for three E195-E2 jets with options for five more, supporting its European expansion strategy and fleet renewal.
Both orders highlight the continued importance of regional jets in enabling feeder traffic into major cargo hubs.
Emirates Confirms Fleetwide Starlink Rollout
In a major connectivity development, Emirates will equip its entire in-service Boeing 777 and Airbus A350 fleet—232 aircraft—with Starlink’s high-speed satellite internet, offering free Wi-Fi to all passengers. Installations begin late 2025.
For cargo operators, this signals future opportunities for enhanced real-time tracking, cockpit connectivity and operational optimisation across long-haul routes.
EDGE Unveils 42 New Air and Space Products
The UAE’s EDGE Group launched 42 new systems across the air and space sectors, including MALE-class drones, cruise missile engines and advanced precision weapons—reinforcing its ambitions as a global aerospace and defence hub. More than 53% of its revenue now comes from exports.
flydubai Selects GE GEnx Engines for Upcoming 787-9 Fleet
flydubai continued the strong showing for Boeing and GE Aerospace, announcing an order for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power its first batch of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The agreement includes spares and long-term support as the carrier prepares to launch long-haul passenger and cargo services.
