An air show in Dubai wouldn't be a major event if there weren't spectacular announcements of aircraft orders, especially from local airlines. The 2025 edition was no exception to tradition, confirming the unlimited ambitions of the Emirates in their role as the global hub of air transport.
Boeing wins Emirates' orders
Emirates has distinguished itself with a massive aircraft order. It added eight more Airbus A350-900s, bringing the total number of A350-900s ordered to 73. Above all, the Dubai-based carrier signed a spectacular contract for 65 Boeing 777-9s, valued at 38 billion US dollars. All of which should please the Trump administration, which is likely to have had a major influence on this decision.
Emirates now has a total of 315 Boeing long-haul aircraft on order, including 270 B777Xs. With this new order, the airline will be the largest customer for the 777 programme. Emirates has also indicated that it will support the feasibility study for the future Boeing 777-10.
According to Emirates, these investments are part of a long-term strategy in line with Dubai's growth ambitions and will guarantee deliveries until 2038.
Acceleration of Starlink integration
At the same time, Emirates is speeding up the complete refurbishment of its existing fleet and the widespread introduction of Starlink connectivity. The adoption of this technology from Space X, Elon Musk's company, marks the beginning of a new era of on-board services for passengers.
Emirates has announced the full deployment of Starlink Wi-Fi, free of charge for all passengers. The integration of Starlink is proceeding apace, with 14 aircraft being equipped each month. The first Boeing 777-300ER was presented at the Dubai Airshow and will make its first commercial flight at the close of the event. All 232 aircraft in the fleet will be equipped by mid-2027, including the A380s which will receive three antennas, a world first. Live television will be available from the end of 2025.
The installation of Starlink is part of a vast cabin modernisation programme which now covers 219 aircraft. It will enter a decisive phase with the refurbishment of 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s from August 2026. The cabins will benefit from new Safran seats in Business Class, an expanded Premium Economy with Recaro seats, and a refurbished Economy equipped with the Safran Z400. Emirates will also deploy Panasonic's Astrova IFE system, with 4K OLED HDR10+ screens, spatial audio, integrated Bluetooth and 67W USB-C charging at every seat.
Flydubai, the Airbus consolation prize
The simplified services subsidiary, flydubaiwas not to be outdone at the Dubai Airshow. The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for 150 A321neo jets, becoming a customer of the European aircraft manufacturer for the first time. This historic diversification accompanies a second order from Boeing for 75 additional Boeing 737 MAXs. Flydubai, which already operates 96 Boeing single-aisle aircraft, is thus strengthening its capacity to meet growing demand. It is also positioning itself to take full advantage of Dubai World Central airport's future status as the world's largest international hub, by linking it to more secondary destinations. In France, flydubai serves
With these joint announcements - colossal orders, technological innovations and accelerated modernisation - Emirates and flydubai are confirming the power of Dubai's aviation ecosystem and redefining industry standards in terms of fleet, comfort and connectivity. In France, flydubai currently serves Basel-Mulhouse airport four times a week by Boeing 737-800.
