Here is one reason why Dubai Airshow 2025 is set to be bigger, better and more memorable than previous ones – Emirates is celebrating its 40th anniversary and has its largest ever presence at the biennial event. Here are a few other reasons – 1,500+ exhibitors, over 200 aircraft in the flying and static display, stealth fighters, and an eVTOL featuring in the flying display for the first time in the history of the event.
Much-needed Fillip
Joby Aviation’s S4 being part of the flying display is a shot in the arm for the advanced air mobility industry, which has been facing shortage of funding and resultant delays. Joby has been carrying out flight testing in the UAE, and a successful flight will help firm up public acceptance not just for the company but the industry itself. The U.S.-based eVTOL company plans to start air taxi services in Dubai by early 2026, and construction of the first vertiport at Dubai International Airport (DXB) is set for completion early next year. Also at the show are Archer Aviation and Autoflight, the former with plans to launch flight operations in the UAE as early as next year.
Making a Splash
Cornering much of the limelight at its home event is Emirates, which is showcasing all three commercial aircraft types in its fleet: the Airbus A380, Boeing 777, and Airbus A350. On static display is the Emirates Flight Training Academy’s (EFTA) Gamebird GB1 aircraft, as well as its Diamond DA42-VI aircraft. The airline is demonstrating its AI-Enhanced Customer Handling functionality and showcasing its Smart Skies Turbulence Management system, which is designed to improve flight safety, comfort, and efficiency by managing turbulence more intelligently.
A Major Highlight
The flying display promises to be spectacular. Among the teams featuring are the Russian Knights, with Sukhoi Su-30SMs, Morocco’s Marche Verte, India’s Surya Kiran with BAE Hawk 132, and Latvia’s Baltic Bees with Aero L-39s. Also part of the flying display are Sukhoi Su-57 Felon fifth generation fighter and the Kamov KA-52 Hokum attack helicopter from Russia, Lockheed Martin F-35, Lockheed Martin F-16C, Boeing P-8 Poseidon and Boeing B-52 for the flying displays. Representing the commercial aviation sector in the flying display are China’s COMAC C919 and Boeing’s 777X prototype. Also at the show are A350-1000 and A220-300.
Multiple Storylines
Boeing’s presence at the show comes on the heels of the company being forced to push back initial deliveries of the Boeing 777X to spring 2027. The delay has affected the fleet renewal program of Emirates, which has more than 200 of the 777 model on order. The carrier had signed a commitment for 150 777X aircraft as early as the 2013 Dubai Airshow in November and had expected to receive its first batch of aircraft by 2020. Airbus has problems of its own, including engine issues with the P&W GTF that have resulted in SWISS and EgyptAir grounding A220-100s and doing away with A220s. Embraer, which sees a big market developing for regional air travel, senses an opening and is at the show with its E195-E2. Attracting attention at the event is China’s COMAC, which has brought its C919 in search of its first international customer. The Chinese firm has not been able to ramp up production but an order or two at the show might be just the shot in the arm that the program needs.
MBDA: Demanding Attention
Among the range of exhibits that MBDA, which created the Missile Engineering Centre (MEC) in 2023 along with the Tawazun Council, is showcasing is a new Diamond Shaped loitering munition that is tailored specifically to meet the requirements of the Middle Eastern market. On display are the SMART CRUISER and SMART GLIDER that belong to the SMART family of weapons and will be developed in cooperation with the Tawazun Council and UAE’s local defence industry. Also being highlighted is the METEOR beyond visual range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) system, the SKY WARDEN counter-UAV (C-UAV) solution, the AKERON family of fifth generation multi-purpose combat missile systems for land and naval operations, and Enforcer shoulder-launched guided weapon system.
Lots to Choose From
The defence side of the show has its own set of highlights, including the Russian Sukhoi Su-57 Felon stealth fighter and the Yak-130M advanced trainer, both making their show debut. The F-35 will garner a lot of attention, especially in the backdrop of reports that Washington is mulling approving the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia. The UAE has also expressed interest in acquiring the F-35, and Lockheed Martin will be hoping that the approval of the sale to Saudi Arabia will open doors for further sales in the region, including to the UAE. The U.S. defence powerhouse also has the C-130J and KC-130Js at the show. Also at the show with high expectations are the Eurofighter, which Turkey is acquiring in a US6.8 billion deal, and the Embraer KC390 that has been an export success with deals signed with Portugal, Hungary, the Netherlands, Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Austria. The aircraft is also in service with the Brazilian Air Force and has been selected by Lithuania. Saab is at the show with its GlobalEye AEW&C on static display and a model of its Gripen E.
