Dubai Airshow 2025 proves the future is here with next-generation aerospace technology and historic orders

DUBAI, November 20, 2025. With momentum soaring, Dubai Airshow 2025 is driving unprecedented growth for the global aerospace industry, uniting leaders through record-breaking multi-billion-dollar deals, transformative innovations, and immersive experiences.

Fresh features and milestone announcements kept the excitement high across days two and three, setting the stage for the next era of aviation and reinforcing Dubai Airshow’s position as the ultimate platform for industry transformation. From major fleet expansions to cutting-edge technology showcases, the event delivered defining moments that propel aerospace forward.

Across these days, Airbus received multiple new orders, welcomed new customers and signed agreements. flydubai and Airbus signed a landmark agreement to purchase 150 A321neo aircraft, with options for 100 more, marking the first time the airline has placed an order with Airbus. The agreement is valued at US$ 24 billion, and deliveries will start in 2031.

Etihad Airways also announced a significant expansion of its Airbus fleet, placing an order for six A330-900s – making it the latest A330neo customer – along with seven additional A350-1000 aircraft and three A350F. It also announced a commitment to lease nine A330-900s from Avolon. Meanwhile, Emirates ordered eight additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft worth US$ 3.4 billion, Ethiopian Airlines became a new Airbus customer, ordering six A350-900 aircraft, along with other key signings from Air Europa and Buraq Air. The company also signed agreements with Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Aspire to accelerate advanced technologies for aviation, Strata and Mubadala.

Gabriel Semelas, President, Airbus Africa and Middle East, comments: “Dubai Airshow is always an exceptional platform for industry innovation and collaboration, uniting the pioneers shaping the future of aerospace. This year continued that momentum, and we’re proud to have signed landmark agreements – such as welcoming flydubai and Buraq Air as new customers and seeing Etihad Airways become the latest A330neo customer, while expanding its A350 fleet. We also secured new partnerships and extended our long-standing collaborations with Strata and Mubadala, reflecting the UAE’s growing role in the global aerospace supply chain. As the Middle East continues to witness major growth and investment, the Airshow remains the ideal place to see this transformation in action.”

Also, during days two and three, flydubai ordered 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft and Gulf Air announced an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, building on its July commitment, with options for three more Dreamliners. In addition, AerCap announced that South African low-cost carrier FlySafair signed a lease agreement for five Boeing 737 family jets, three 737 MAX and two 737NG.

During the 19th edition of Dubai Airshow, EDGE Group utilised the platform as an opportunity to launch 42 new products and solutions, delivering one of the most ambitious launches in its history. EDGE Group has also signed numerous agreements, including MoU’s with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore future collaboration across aerospace, defence, and related high-technology sectors, as well as with L3Harris Technologies to develop innovative solutions that will contribute to the UAE’s growing defense capabilities.

Hamad Al Marar, MD and CEO of EDGE Group, said: “At this year’s edition of Dubai Airshow, we have demonstrated how EDGE continues to push past existing boundaries to disrupt the industry across the air and space domains. With one of the most ambitious launches in our history, 42 new products and solutions were launched including the phenomenal OMEN VTOL, the first solution in an ambitious co-development partnership with US innovator, Anduril. We also signed a cooperation agreement with Indonesia’s Republikorp which will result in a landmark US$7 billion contract with the Indonesian Armed Forces – our largest international deal to date, strengthened our partnership with Spain’s Indra to support European defence programmes, and announced the latest step towards the establishment of a joint venture with Leonardo. EDGE remains an example for how a country the size of the UAE can rapidly grow and progress on a global scale by self-determination, and by investing in the people and technologies of tomorrow, and in valuable international partnerships.”

Tawazun Council, representing the UAE Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police, announced 20 major contracts totaling AED 18.016 billion during the first three days of Dubai Airshow 2025. These agreements, signed with leading local and international industry players, underscore the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its defence ecosystem and fostering private-sector participation in developing innovative, sustainable solutions for the future of national security.

Manea Al Mansoori, official spokesperson of Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, said: “These agreements with national and international companies operating in the defence, security and aviation sectors play a vital role in strengthening the UAE’s defence and security industrial ecosystem. The contracts support the country’s strategic objectives in technology transfer, localisation and industrial advancement, reinforcing our commitment to innovation and sustainable growth.”

A brand-new feature for this edition, Airshow After Dark brought the industry together for networking, entertainment, and celebration in iconic ‘Dubai’ fashion. On the eve of day two, hundreds of illuminated drones lit up the skies over the runway in a spectacular display, forming shapes from hydrogen aircraft to rockets and spaceship, and the ‘Future is Here theme’ highlighted across the skyline.

Dubai Airshow is where the future takes flight, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors including 440 first-time participants and 490 military and civil delegations from 115 countries. Industry leaders from 21 country pavilions, 98 chalets, along with 120 start-ups and 50 investors, are converging to shape what’s next for aerospace and beyond.