Emirates A350 Makes Spectacular Flypast Debut at 2025 Dubai Airshow
Emirates marked a major milestone at the 2025 Dubai Airshow as its Airbus A350 made its first-ever flypast appearance, joining the airline’s Boeing 777 and flagship A380 in a rare full-fleet aerial formation.
The striking showcase formed part of a 60-aircraft formation representing the UAE’s world-class aviation capability. Emirates led the commercial aviation segment, followed by other national carriers, alongside a powerful display of military aircraft and helicopters.
Flying at precisely staggered altitudes, the Emirates A380 led the formation at 500 feet, followed by the Boeing 777 at 700 feet, while the new-generation A350 soared at 900 feet.
Thousands of spectators lined the Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) runway to witness one of the airshow’s most anticipated spectacles.
A testament to the UAE’s growing aviation expertise, the Emirates display was planned and executed entirely by an all-Emirati team. Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri piloted the A380 at the head of the formation, with Captain Ali Almarzooqi commanding the Boeing 777 and Captain Rashed Murshed at the controls of the A350.
Captain Khalid Akram, Deputy Chief Pilot Boeing, was part of the Flight Control Committee overseeing the entire commercial segment.
Executing the aerial performance required months of meticulous planning, involving Emirates’ internal teams, other UAE airlines, the Ministry of Defence, military units, air traffic controllers, the Dubai Airshow Flying Control Committee, and both the DCAA and GCAA.
Variables such as air traffic flows, airspace coordination, weather patterns and wind speeds were carefully assessed to ensure perfect alignment in the sky.
