Emirates Concludes Dubai Airshow with Major Investments and Forward-Looking Innovations
Emirates wrapped up the 2025 Dubai Airshow with a strong display of confidence in the future of aviation, announcing major fleet investments, debuting new technologies, and strengthening strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the UAE’s ambitions as a growing aerospace hub.
The airline attracted more than 82,000 visitors to its largest-ever aircraft display, which featured the Airbus A380, Airbus A350, and Boeing 777. Over 15,000 attendees also experienced its high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi on a retrofitted Boeing 777, marking the first public demonstration of the service in the region.
A key highlight of the week was Emirates’ substantial aircraft order, which included 65 additional Boeing 777-9s and eight Airbus A350-900s, valued at US$41.4 billion. This brings the airline’s total widebody orderbook to 375 aircraft scheduled for delivery through 2038.
Emirates also revealed major cabin and connectivity upgrades, confirming that Starlink will be installed across 232 aircraft within two years. In addition, 111 existing aircraft will undergo a comprehensive retrofit to introduce new cabin designs and next-generation entertainment systems.
The airline also advanced its global reach by strengthening several international partnerships. Emirates signed a reciprocal codeshare expansion with South African Airways and extended its loyalty and codeshare agreement with Air Canada until 2032. It also highlighted its seamless cooperation with flydubai, which continues to enhance connectivity across key markets.
In the area of sustainability, Emirates signed an MoU with ENOC to explore joint initiatives that will support the development and supply of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in Dubai.
Beyond fleet and network commitments, the airline focused on innovation and operational efficiency. Emirates partnered with dans and Thales to research ways of reducing arrival holding patterns at Dubai International Airport, with the aim of improving airspace efficiency.
The airline also announced a collaboration with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT Enterprise across its organisation, supported by tailored training programmes to scale AI adoption responsibly. In the logistics sector, Emirates SkyCargo signed an MoU with LODD Autonomous to explore next-generation hybrid, unmanned heavy-lift cargo aircraft designed and built in the UAE.
Emirates further strengthened Dubai’s position in the global aerospace value chain by signing major industrial and engineering agreements. A new partnership with Safran Seats will lead to the creation of Dubai’s first aircraft seat manufacturing facility, initially producing retrofit seats for Emirates and other carriers. Another agreement with the CCE Group will focus on developing cabin and cargo products within the UAE.
Emirates also signed an MoU with Rolls-Royce that will allow the airline to perform Trent 900 engine maintenance for its A380 fleet from 2027 at a dedicated facility, extending the TotalCare partnership well into the 2040s.
In a significant step for national aviation capability, Emirates Engineering was awarded the UAE’s first Design Organisation Approval (DOA) by the GCAA. This certification enables the airline to independently design and approve major aircraft modifications, marking an important milestone in the development of local aerospace expertise.
The airline’s achievements throughout the week were further recognised on the global stage, winning “Best Airline in the World” for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs, alongside “Airline of the Year” and “Best First Class of the Year” at the 2025 Aviation Business Middle East Awards.
