2025 Dubai Air Show: Day 2 It is the second day of the 2025 edition of the Dubai Air Show and alot of news from the show is still taking flight. As you will expect given the swath to markets being represented at the show, there will be significant news from the commercial side of the industry. Order related news from airlines will be one part of that equation. It is at these kinds of air shows that commercial airlines make or publicize their immediately-recent orders.
Spanish commercial airline Air Europa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to purchase up to 40 examples of the A350-900 from European consortium Airbus. This is a significant order from this particular airline as they look to provide the most efficient and comfortable long-haul aircraft for their customers. "The A350-900 is a game-changer for key destinations in Latin America. It provides an exceptional cabin experience and the operational performance and economics needed to expand the airline's network without compromise, delivering the highest standards in air travel," Air Europa President Juan Jose Hidalgo said.
Additionally on Tuesday, the European airframer also received orders from FlyDubai. Airlines are no longer partial to a particular side of the commercial duopoly (Boeing and Airbus), they order whatever they feel suits their needs at the particular time to satisfy their market demands. To this end, FlyDubai has ordered their first planes from Airbus. 150 A321neo aircraft as it seeks to diversify its fleet. The deal is valued at $24 billion and deliveries are planned to start in 2031.
Ethiopian Airlines has ordered 6 additional Airbus A350-900s from Airbus at the Dubai Air Show as well. The airline also made orders for the Boeing 737 MAX 8 by ordering 11 of the type. This airline is currently the largest airline in Africa. It also has the youngest fleet of commercial airplanes on the continent.
Abu Dhabi carrier Etihad has also placed orders for the Airbus A330neo. 15 aircraft of the type have been identified although this is partly through an agreement with lessor company Avalon. The airline will purchase 6 directly from Airbus while the other 9 will be leased through Avalon. Additionally, the airline is increasing its commitment for the flagship Airbus A350 twin, the A350-1000 as well as the yet-to-be certified A350F.
Kingdom of Bahrain carrier Gulf Air has finalized an order that will encompass 18 Boeing 787 widebodies. The breakdown is for 15 firm orders and 3 options. This is the latest order Boeing has received from the general Middle Eastern region and continues to keep Boeing's order book ticking-over and their Dubai Air Show-related order tally. This is the finalization of an initial announcement that the airline made for the same 787s but instead they were looking at 12 firm and 6 options.
In business aviation related news at the show, Gulfstream has its newest certified stablemate, the Gulfstream G800, at the Dubai Air Show. An example flew from Phuket, Thailand, to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, accomplished in 5 hours, 38 minutes. This now accounts for the 8th City-pair record for the Gulfstream G800. “Setting eight speed records this quickly following its August entry into service is a powerful testament to the tremendous capabilities of this aircraft,” said Mark Burns, president, Gulfstream. “We are already seeing overwhelming interest and demand for the G800 and are pleased to be showcasing it in Dubai this week. The Middle East continues to be a strong region for Gulfstream, and we are looking forward to meeting with our customers as well as prospective customers.” Gulfstream is at the Dubai Air Show with the G800 as well as the G700.
Airbus Corporate Jets (ACJ) has qualified AMAC Aerospace in Bodrum as a new facility of its ACJ Services Centre Network. AMAC will provide to ACJ customers a wide spectrum of tailored capabilities – including maintenance, engineering, VIP cabin refurbishment and upgrade services. The signature took place at Dubai Air Show 2025. Chadi Saade, President of Airbus Corporate Jets said: "We are delighted to further expand our Service Centre Network by welcoming AMAC in Bodrum, Turkey and look forward to a long and successful future together. This expansion is a testament to our shared values of quality, innovation, and customer focus. We believe this will allow us to provide the highest level of care and support to ACJ operators, at locations that best serve our customers in the region."
Bombardier and ELIE SAAB are proud to announce a unique collaboration. This will bring together a very different but uniquely-elegant passenger cabin design for the new Bombardier Global 8000 aircraft. ELIE SAAB's is known for their luxury artistry and haute couture style of design. Centered on delivering an exceptional passenger experience, the ELIE SAAB-designed jet will combine refined aesthetics, exceptional craftsmanship and innovative functionality, creating an environment where comfort and elegance seamlessly meet. This marks Bombardier's first-ever design collaboration with a luxury fashion house such as ELIE SAAB, underscoring its commitment to providing its customers with the ultimate in personalization and sophistication. Customers of the Global 8000 will have the unique opportunity to select the ELIE SAAB design, a statement of elegance and refinement. The design will be presented at an official unveiling, which will be held in 2026.
Air Côte d'Ivoire, the national airline of Republic of Côte d'Ivoire is in the news after they made an order for the Embraer E175. The order consists of a firm purchase for 4 units and purchase rights on 8 additional aircraft. The first is expected to be with Air Côte d'Ivoire in the first half of 2027. The new aircraft are expected to be fielded on regional routes to boost regional connectivity. Inside the cabin, there are going to be 76 seats via a two-class layout – 12 in Business Class and 64 in Economy-. ***
