• The Dubai Airshow 2025 opened today with a wave of major announcements, headlined by Emirates’ $52 billion order for Boeing aircraft and the first ever public eVTOL flight at a major global airshow.
• Held at Dubai World Central (DWC), the event’s opening day drew defence delegations, aerospace executives and thousands of trade visitors, as temperatures soared and aircraft roared overhead.
• The UAE Air Force kicked off the proceedings with a ceremonial flypast, followed by Fursan Al Emarat’s precision display, now flying the Chinese-made Hongdu L-15 trainer. But it was Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi that marked a turning point in the flying display — the first time an eVTOL aircraft has flown live at an international show, offering a glimpse into the future of urban air mobility.
• Visitors were treated to displays from B-52s, F-35, the Boeing 77X and much more throughout the afternoon. You can see the full flying display for day 1 here.

What Happened at Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 1: Orders, Aircraft Debuts and Flying Displays

In a historic first for a major international airshow, Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi took to the skies in a public flying display, executing quiet hovers and slow turns that underscored the maturing performance of eVTOL technology.

The flying display was punctuated with crowd-pulling appearances from the Boeing 777X, F-35, and a dramatic B-52 flypast, among others.

Boeing secures $52 billion in orders, led by Emirates and Ethiopian

Commercial announcements dominated the news cycle, with Boeing clinching its first major order of the show from Emirates — a $52 billion deal that includes 65 more 777X aircraft, bringing the airline’s total 777X backlog to 205.

“Emirates has announced orders for 65 additional Boeing 777-9 aircraft, powered by GE 9X engines, worth US$ 38 billion at list prices, on the opening day of Dubai Airshow 2025. This takes the airline’s total orderbook with Boeing to 315 widebody aircraft, comprising 270 Boeing 777Xs, 10 Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing 787s; and its orderbook with GE Aerospace for GE9X engines to a total of 540 units including the 130 additional units signed today.”

The order includes flexibility to convert future deliveries to a newly proposed variant, the 777-10, which Boeing is now studying as a longer stretch of the -9 model.

Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines firmed up 11 more 737 MAX 8s, signalling continued fleet growth across Africa’s biggest carrier. CEO Mesfin Tasew hinted that more MAX and 787 orders may follow.

Embraer books regional jet deals with Helvetic and Air Côte d’Ivoire

Regional aircraft manufacturer Embraer also had a productive first day, announcing four E175s for Air Côte d’Ivoire, with deliveries expected in 2027. The aircraft will be configured in a two-class layout as the airline scales regional operations.

Swiss carrier Helvetic Airways firmed an order for three E195-E2s, with options for five more. The new jets will start arriving in 2026, potentially growing Helvetic’s E2 fleet to 20 aircraft.

“Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national carrier of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, has signed a firm order for four Embraer E175 aircraft, with eight additional purchase rights, as part of its fleet modernisation and regional expansion strategy. The first E175 jet delivery is scheduled for the first half of 2027, and the deal will be added to Embraer’s Q4 2025 backlog.”

Emirates to roll out Starlink on entire widebody fleet

In a separate announcement, Emirates confirmed it will equip its entire 777 and A350 fleets — 232 aircraft in total — with Starlink high-speed internet, offering free onboard Wi-Fi to all passengers. Installations are set to begin next year.

The move underscores growing airline interest in next-gen inflight connectivity, particularly across long-haul networks.

“Emirates will deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire in-service fleet, beginning with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and completing the rollout by mid-2027.

The complimentary, ultra-fast service delivers ground-quality internet at cruising altitude, reinforcing the airline’s long-standing commitment to industry-leading inflight connectivity.”

 EDGE launches 42 new products

The UAE’s EDGE Group is displaying a total of 42 new products in the air and space domain at the Dubai Airshow expanding the company and UAE’s capabilities by adding engines for cruise missiles, new types of medium altitude long endurance (MALE) drone, and a new cruise missile to its production portfolio.

“From a bold idea to a global force, we’ve now launched 42 new products in a single day and more than 250 across our portfolio. We are not only meeting the needs of the local market but competing globally, with over 53 per cent of our revenue now driven by exports,” Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of the EDGE Group said.

flydubai selects GE GEnx for new Dreamliners

Completing a strong showing for Boeing, flydubai signed a deal for 60 GE GEnx-1B engines to power its recently ordered 787-9 Dreamliners. The agreement includes spares and long-term support as the airline prepares to launch long-haul routes.

“We have announced an order with GE Aerospace for 60 GEnx-1B engines to power our first widebody fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9. The agreement, signed at the Dubai Airshow 2025, also includes spare engines and a long-term services agreement to support our growing fleet.”