By Samuel Ssenono
The 2025 Dubai Airshow opened at Dubai World Central (DWC) with its largest edition to date, running from 17โ21 November under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. An additional 8,000 square meters of exhibition space was added to accommodate increased participation across aerospace, space and defence sectors.
Day one saw several major commercial announcements. Emirates confirmed a US$38 billion order for 65 Boeing 777-9aircraft powered by GE9X engines. Ethiopian Airlines placed an order for 11 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft to grow its regional and international operations.
Boeing and TAAG Angola Airlines agreed to extend pilot training programmes, with an emphasis on competency-based and data-driven training. Embraer signed a support agreement with Airlink for its upcoming fleet of ten E195-E2 jets leased from Azorra.
Airbus Helicopters reported that Bristow Group will add up to five H160 helicopters for offshore energy work in Africa. The UAEโs Tawazun Council announced eight contracts worth AED 3.766 billion, covering agreements with Global Air Navigation Services (GANS), GAL, International Golden Group (IGG), Maximus Air and Abu Dhabi Shipping Agency (ADSA).
flydubai placed an order for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power its future fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, along with spare engines and a long-term service arrangement.
Advanced Air Mobility featured prominently, with a pavilion displaying electric aircraft and urban-transport concepts. Joby Aviation conducted an electric vertical take-off demonstration. The show also introduced its largest Space Pavilion, organised with the UAE Space Agency, and hosting a two-day conference with more than 50 experts, astronauts and industry representatives.
This yearโs event includes over 1,500 exhibitors, 440 first-time participants, and 490 civil and military delegations from 115 countries, along with 21 national pavilions Morocco appearing for the first time. The exhibition also features 98 chalets, 120 start-ups and 50 investors.
Further announcements are expected as the airshow continues.
