Day two of the Dubai Airshow 2025 brought a fresh wave of Airbus-centric deals, highlighting how local carriers are intensifying their fleet expansion ahead of recovery and growth phases. To help readers navigate the most important developments, AeroTime has gathered the essential stories we published from the show so far.
Looking for the Day 1 highlights? You can find the full list of announcements here.
De Havilland reaches deal for up to 10 Twin Otter 300-Gs
De Havilland Canada has announced that IndiaOne Air, a regional airline based in India, has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire up to 10 Twin Otter Series 300-G aircraft.
UK initiates $3.5B investment in Dubai’s flagship airport
The UK government has initiated a $3.5 billion investment in Dubai’s new flagship airport, that once completed will be five times larger than the current Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Ethiopian Airlines orders six A350-900s
Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order for six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, becoming the largest A350 customer in Africa. This is the airline’s second direct commercial order announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
AMAC Bodrum joins Airbus Corporate Jets service network
AMAC Aerospace’s Bodrum facility has been approved as a new Airbus Corporate Jets Service Centre, expanding ACJ support across Turkey and the Middle East.
Emirates, Safran to establish seat assembly unit in Dubai
Emirates and Safran Seats, a manufacturer of aircraft seating, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a new manufacturing and seat assembly facility in Dubai.
Air Europa signs MoU for up to 40 Airbus A350-900s
Air Europa has signed an MoU with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900s, marking a major long-haul fleet renewal announced at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
AerCap signs deal with new partner FlySafair for five 737s
AerCap has signed a lease agreement with new airline customer FlySafair for three new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft and two Boeing 737-800NGs.
flydubai to equip full fleet with Starlink in-flight internet from 2026
flydubai announced a partnership with Starlink to install high-speed, low-latency in-flight internet across its entire fleet from 2026. The rollout begins with 100 aircraft in 2026, covering more than 100 destinations.
Morocco orders Airbus H225M helicopters to replace Puma fleet
Morocco has placed an order for Airbus H225M helicopters, which will replace the Royal Moroccan Air Force’s aging Puma fleet. The contract includes aircraft, training and support, strengthening the country’s multi-mission and search-and-rescue capabilities.
Gulf Air finalizes order for 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Gulf Air has finalized an order for 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners at Dubai Airshow 2025, adding to its existing commitments for the type. The aircraft will support the airline’s long-haul expansion and fleet modernization strategy, with deliveries scheduled toward the end of the decade.
Etihad confirms Airbus widebody deal including Avolon leases
Etihad Airways announced a major widebody expansion plan involving 32 Airbus aircraft through a mix of direct orders and lease commitments from Avolon. The deal includes A350-1000s, A330-900neos and A350F freighters, with deliveries beginning in 2027. The agreement builds on Etihad’s earlier commitments this year and secures some of the earliest available widebody delivery slots, supporting the airline’s long-term growth from Abu Dhabi.
flydubai places first Airbus A321neo order
flydubai has signed an MoU for up to 150 Airbus A321neo-family aircraft, marking the airline’s first-ever Airbus order and a major shift away from its exclusively Boeing narrowbody fleet. The agreement will complement the carrier’s existing 737 MAX backlog and upcoming 787-9 deliveries from 2026. The A321neo will support flydubai’s planned expansion at Dubai World Central and provide additional capacity on slot-constrained routes.