Emirates Unveils Major Aircraft Orders and Innovations at Dubai Airshow

The 2025 Dubai Airshow, held from November 17 to 21, showcased significant developments in the aviation industry, with Emirates emerging as a key player. The Dubai-based airline announced substantial aircraft orders, enhancements to passenger experiences, and strategic partnerships, marking a dynamic week for the flag carrier.

Major Aircraft Orders Announced

Emirates made headlines on the first day of the airshow by securing a deal with Boeing for 65 additional 777-9 widebody aircraft from the new 777X family. This arrangement underscores Emirates’ commitment to expanding its fleet, as the airline also urged Boeing to consider a feasibility study for a larger 777-10 model.

Later in the week, Emirates further solidified its position in the market by partnering with Airbus for an order of eight A350-900 aircraft, valued at approximately $3.4 billion based on list prices. Deliveries are scheduled for 2031, with Rolls-Royce engines powering these new planes. Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Emirates’ Chair and CEO, expressed enthusiasm over the agreements, stating, “Together with the additional Boeing 777-9 order, Emirates now has a total of 375 units of the latest widebody aircraft on its order book. This is a massive investment in our future.”

Enhancements to Passenger Experience

Emirates also focused on improving passenger experience by announcing the implementation of high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet. The service commenced recently, with plans to equip 232 aircraft, starting with the Boeing 777 and expanding to the entire fleet by 2027.

In addition, Emirates revealed a new phase in its fleet retrofit program, including upgrades for 111 widebody aircraft. This initiative involves modernizing cabins for 60 A380 and 51 Boeing 777 jets, with collaboration from notable partners such as Safran, Recaro, Panasonic, and UUDS.

Amidst these advancements, Emirates entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Safran to establish a manufacturing and seat assembly facility in Dubai. The airline also signed agreements with ENOC to explore sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supply and with Rolls-Royce for in-house engine maintenance for the A380, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Emirates received approval from the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) for significant design modifications, highlighting its commitment to regulatory compliance and innovation.

Strategic Partnerships and Awards

The airline’s efforts to strengthen commercial partnerships were evident, as Emirates extended its collaboration with Air Canada until 2032. A similar agreement was reached with South African Airways. Emirates also highlighted its successful partnership with flydubai, which serves five million codeshare passengers annually.

The airshow provided a platform for Emirates to showcase its A350-900 during a debut flypast, adding to the excitement of the event. Additionally, the airline celebrated receiving its eighth consecutive ULTRAs ‘Best Airline in the World’ award, a testament to its ongoing commitment to excellence.

As the event concluded, Emirates announced its exploration of drone delivery systems and artificial intelligence solutions to further enhance its operational capabilities. The strategic investments are expected to contribute significantly to the airline’s growth trajectory.

The 2025 Dubai Airshow has solidified Emirates’ position in the global aviation landscape, showcasing its forward-thinking strategies and commitment to innovation in the industry.