The 2025 edition of the Dubai Airshow opened with a mix of major commercial orders, connectivity upgrades, and a notable aircraft change within the UAE’s aerobatic community. To help readers navigate the most important developments, AeroTime has gathered the essential stories we published from the show so far.
This roundup links to each full article and provides context on why the announcement matters for the region and the wider industry.
Helvetic Airways orders three Embraer E195-E2 jets
Helvetic Airways placed a firm order for three Embraer E195‑E2 jets, with purchase options for five more, announced on day one of Dubai Airshow 2025. Deliveries begin by end of 2026 and will increase the carrier’s E2 fleet from 12 to up to 20 aircraft.
Air Côte d’Ivoire orders Embraer E175s as part of regional expansion
Air Côte d’Ivoire signed a firm order for four E175 jets from Embraer, along with eight purchase rights, as announced at Dubai Airshow 2025. The aircraft will be configured in a two-class layout (12 business, 64 economy) and are targeted for delivery starting in 2027.
Ethiopian Airlines commits to additional Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets
Ethiopian Airlines announced a commitment for 11 additional Boeing 737-8 MAX jets at Dubai Airshow 2025, adding to its existing MAX backlog.
Gulfstream Aerospace G800 sets 8th city-pair speed record en route to Dubai Airshow 2025
Gulfstream’s newly certified G800 business jet has achieved its eighth city-pair speed record, flying from Phuket, Thailand, to Dubai, UAE in 5 hours and 38 minutes.
The aircraft, which entered service in August 2025 after FAA and EASA certification in April, can cruise 8,200 nautical miles (15,186 km) at Mach 0.85 and 7,000 nm (12,964 km) at Mach 0.90, making it the longest-range jet in Gulfstream’s fleet.
flydubai selects GE Aerospace’s GEnx-1B engine to power upcoming Boeing 787‑9 fleet
flydubai has signed a 60-engine deal (including spares and a long-term services agreement) with GE Aerospace for the GEnx-1B engines, to power its upcoming 787-9 Dreamliners. The move enables the carrier’s transition into wide-body operations after operating an all-Boeing 737 fleet.
Joby completes UAE’s first crewed eVTOL flight, advancing Dubai’s air taxi plans
Joby Aviation, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, conducted the UAE’s first crewed eVTOL flight between two separate sites, from Dubai Jetman Helipad in Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) on November 16, 2025, ahead of the Dubai Airshow 2025. The 17-minute journey marks a milestone in electric aerial taxi operations within the region.
UAE aerobatic team Al Fursan introduces new L 15 jets
The UAE aerobatic team, popularly known as Al Fursan, made one of the more eye catching transitions of the event by debuting its new Hongdu L 15 aircraft. The team previously flew the MB 339 for roughly 15 years. Although display teams often keep their jets for much longer, the switch reflects the UAE’s broader push toward modernized training platforms and updated display capabilities.
Qatar Airways signs with Collins to optimize Boeing 787 fleet efficiency
Qatar Airways has teamed up with Collins Aerospace to deploy the Ascentia analytics solution across the carrier’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet. The system leverages real-time sensor data and historical fleet records to provide predictive insights into component health and performance.
Emirates places order for 65 more Boeing 777-9 aircraft
The first big order announcement at Dubai Airshow 2025 came from Emirates, which added 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft to its already significant order book. The commitment strengthens the airline’s position as the largest 777X customer and reinforces the aircraft’s long-term role in the airline’s network planning.
Emirates to roll out Starlink Wi Fi across its fleet
Emirates announced its intention to introduce Starlink connectivity, positioning the carrier among the first major long haul operators to commit to the new satellite internet service. The move underscores the shift toward high bandwidth, low latency inflight connectivity and signals increasing competition among providers seeking to serve large international fleets.
Embraer signs support deal with Airlink for new E195 E2 fleet
Embraer used the show to reinforce its growing support footprint in the Middle East and Africa. The agreement with Airlink covers component pool services for the airline’s incoming E195 E2 aircraft. It reflects the increasing importance of aftermarket support as regional carriers introduce newer generation jets that require high dispatch reliability from day one.
Dubai Airshow: the top 3 rumored Airbus-Boeing jet orders
Dubai Airshow 2025: as the biggest aviation event of the year opens here are the top three rumored Airbus and Boeing commercial aircraft orders.