Dubai Airshow 2025 closed today after five intense days of aerospace activity, drawing more than 1,500 exhibitors, hundreds of aircraft, and industry leaders from around the globe. While much of the spotlight went to fast jets and flying displays, the air cargo sector also made significant waves. From major freighter commitments to next-gen logistics technology, the cargo announcements at this year’s event offered a telling snapshot of the sector’s direction.

READ: Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 4: Highlights and key announcements

However, the final day was marked by tragedy, as an Indian HAL Tejas LCA MK-1A fighter-jet crashed during a flying display. The incident occurred over the show airspace shortly before the closing ceremony. The pilot-in-command has been officially declared dead by the IAF.

The IAF’s official social-media account confirmed the event:

“Indian Air Force regrets to inform that a Tejas aircraft met with an accident during the flying display at Dubai Airshow. Further details will follow.”

Throughout the week, the cargo sector made a strong showing with new freighter orders, automation advancements, and bold visions for the future of logistics.

Dubai Airshow 2025: Major commercial orders and commitments at a glance

Here are the most important cargo developments from Dubai Airshow 2025:

Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous sign MoU to explore drone-powered delivery solutions

Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, to explore the development and deployment of next generation air cargo solutions.

The agreement was signed by Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President and Rashid Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous. Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous will collaborate to validate the use of VTOL (Vertical Take Off and Landing) aircraft across the airline’s vast global network, through feasibility studies, regulatory engagement and live demonstrations. Leveraging over four decades’ expertise in the global movement of goods, Emirates SkyCargo will participate in LODD’s experimental operations through to the end of 2027, providing insight to inform design and development, with a view toward commercial deployment in regional and global markets.

The agreement follows last week’s successful first test flight of LODD’s Hili, an unmanned, hybrid heavy-lift cargo aircraft developed and manufactured in Abu Dhabi. Hili is fully autonomous from take-off to landing, and offers payload capacity of up to 250 kilograms , and travel distances up to 700 KM. As Emirates SkyCargo continues to invest in future-fit technologies for the seamless movement of goods, the Hili will be considered to join the airline’s ground fleet, to manage operations across its dual airport hub.

Commenting on the signing, Badr Abbas said, “This partnership with LODD is a reflection of our commitment to introduce innovative products that solve our customer’s transportation challenges. Emerging technologies will form the foundation of the next era of logistics, and Emirates SkyCargo will be at the forefront of this movement, investing our experience and expertise into the development of innovations that drive tangible impact. We look forward to collaborating with LODD to explore the potential development and deployment of this UAE-built technology.”

READ: Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 3: Etihad, Silk Way West boost freighter fleets, Emirates explands A350 orderbook

Rashid Mattar Al Manai, Chief Executive Officer of LODD Autonomous commented “The UAE’s vision is built on harnessing innovation to propel everyday life forward. Our collaboration with Emirates SkyCargo blends LODD Autonomous’s frontier technologies with the country’s enduring commitment to safe, scalable, and sustainable logistics. Together, we will accelerate the adoption of drone-powered solutions that expand reach, cut delivery times, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a global logistics hub while upholding the highest standards of safety and regulatory excellence.”

Etihad Airways expands freighter fleet with fresh orders

Etihad Airways has announced a significant expansion of its Airbus widebody fleet by placing a firm order for six A330-900s, becoming the latest A330neo customer. In addition, the airline has disclosed an order for seven additional A350-1000s (increasing its total for the type to 27) and three A350F (bringing the airline’s A350F commitment to 10 aircraft).

The agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow, where Etihad Airways also announced the commitment of nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon.

“These aircraft strengthen our operations across medium-haul, long-haul, and cargo. The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and mid-range growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network. The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand. Our partnership with Airbus continues to play an important role in shaping our future fleet, and we are proud to be building one of the world’s most modern and efficient widebody operations,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO.

READ: Dubai Airshow 2025: Historic eVTOL flight and $52bn Boeing Deal

Silk Way West Airlines orders two additional freighters

Silk Way West Airlines based in Baku, Azerbaijan has signed a firm contract for an additional two A350F freighter aircraft. The agreement, which takes the total order to four A350Fs, forms the backbone of Silk Way West Airlines’ fleet modernisation and expansion strategy.

“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F programme. This order, bringing our total commitment to four aircraft, marks a major milestone in our company’s growth and reflects our confidence in the future of sustainable air freight. The A350F will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernise our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.

“This repeat order from Silk Way West Airlines, the largest cargo airline in the Caspian Sea region, is a great vote of confidence at a time when the A350F is physically taking shape in our assembly lines. The A350F will ensure the airline maintains its leading position in the global air freight market and further enables its key role in developing Azerbaijan as a major global cargo hub at the heart of the Silk Road,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

Boeing delivers another 777F to AIR ONE

Air One International Holdings has taken delivery of its second Boeing 777 Freighter in three months as part of the group’s plan to expand its twin-engine freighter fleet. One Air, the group’s affiliated British cargo airline, will operate the aircraft.

The new 107-tonne capacity freighter has been delivered from Boeing’s production line in Everett, Washington. It is the second 777F to join the managed fleet as Air One builds on its long-term fleet modernisation plan. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive at East Midlands Airport on 19 November and will begin commercial operations on the Hong Kong to East Midlands route.

READ: Dubai Airshow 2025 Day 2: Highlights and key announcements

Air One launched scheduled services on this lane in early September, operated four times a week by One Air. The company stated that it has operated more than 3,000 wide-body freighter flights and moved over 300 million kilos of cargo between Asia and Europe. The additional 777F will work alongside a managed fleet that includes 11 Boeing 747 freighters.

Peter Scholten, Chief Commercial Officer at Air One, said: “The Boeing 777 Freighter is an outstanding cargo aircraft. Taking delivery of a second 777F strengthens our ability to deliver consistent, high-quality services on key Asia–Europe trade lanes. It also reflects our focus on operational reliability and long-term commitment to developing a modern, efficient fleet capable of meeting our customers’ growing air cargo requirements.”