Dubai Airshow 2025: Historic flight with electric helicopter and $52 billion Boeing deal

• The Dubai Air Show 2025 kicked off today with a wave of big announcements, notably a $52 billion order from Emirates for Boeing aircraft, and the first public flight of an electric helicopter at a major international air show.
• The opening day of the event, held at Dubai World Central (DWC), attracted representatives from defense companies, aviation officials and thousands of business visitors, as temperatures soared and planes flew overhead.
• The UAE Air Force began its activities with a formal flyover, followed by a one-minute display by the UAE Knights, now flying the Chinese-made Hangzhou L-15 training aircraft. But it was an electric air taxi developed by Joby Aviation that marked a turning point in the air show industry – the first time an eVTOL aircraft flew live at an international air show, offering a glimpse into the future of urban air mobility.
• Spectators enjoyed B-52s, F-35s, Boeing 77Xs and more throughout the afternoon. You can see the full display of the first day’s flight here.

What happened at Dubai Airshow 2025, Day 1: Orders, aircraft launches and flight demonstrations

In a historic debut at a major international air show, Joby Aviation’s electric air taxi took to the skies at the Public Aviation Show, making silent flights and slow maneuvers that demonstrate the mature performance of eVTOL technology.

The air show included crowd-pleasing displays of Boeing 777Xs, F-35s, and spectacular B-52 flybys, among other aircraft.

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

The news cycle was dominated by commercials, as Boeing received its first major order from Emirates at the show, a $52 billion deal that includes an additional 65 777X aircraft, bringing the total number of 777X aircraft to 205.

On the first day of the 2025 Dubai Air Show, Emirates Airlines announced an order for an additional 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft with GE 9X engines worth 38 billion US dollars. Boeing 777 freighters, and 35 Boeing jets signed today with GE Aerospace for an additional 130 units for GE9X engines.

The arrangement includes the flexibility to convert the 777-10 to the newly proposed next-delivery model, which Boeing is now considering as a long extension to the 9-9.

Elsewhere, Ethiopian Airlines has purchased 11 more 737 MAX 8 aircraft, marking the continuation of the fleet at Africa’s largest airline. CEO Misfin Tasio indicated that more MAX and 787 orders may follow.

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

Regional aircraft manufacturer Embraer also had a successful first day, announcing four E175 aircraft for Air Côte d’Ivoire, expected to be delivered in 2027. The aircraft will be designed in a two-class configuration as the airline expands its regional operations.

Swiss airline Helitech Airways has confirmed an order for three E195-E2 aircraft, with an option to buy five more. The new aircraft will begin arriving in 2026, which could increase the Heliotek E2 fleet to 20 aircraft.

“Air Cote d’Ivoire, the flag carrier of the Republic of Ivoire, has signed an order for four Embraer E175 aircraft, with purchase rights for eight more, as part of its fleet modernization and regional expansion strategy. The first E175 is scheduled to be delivered in the first half of 2027 and Embraer will be added to the four-way deal. Quarter 2025.”

Emirates Airline intends to deploy wide-body aircraft across its Starlink fleet

In a separate announcement, Emirates confirmed that it will equip its entire fleet of 777 and A350 aircraft – totaling 232 aircraft – with high-speed StarLink internet, providing free Wi-Fi for all passengers. Installation is scheduled to begin next year.

This step confirms the growing interest of airlines in the next generation of air connectivity, especially in long-haul networks.

Emirates will deploy Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet, starting with Boeing 777 aircraft in November 2025 and deploying in mid-2027.

The free high-speed service provides high-quality Internet at cruise altitude, reinforcing the airline’s long-standing commitment to industry-leading in-flight connectivity.

EDGE has launched 42 new products

The UAE’s Edge Group is exhibiting a total of 42 new aerospace products at the Dubai Airshow to expand the company’s and UAE’s capabilities by adding cruise missile engines, new types of Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drones, and a new cruise missile to its product portfolio.

Hamad Almar, managing director and CEO of Edge Group, said: “From a bold idea to a global powerhouse, we have now launched 42 new products in one day and more than 250 products in our portfolio. We not only need the local market, we compete globally, now exports account for more than 53 percent of our revenue.”

Flydubai selects GE GEnx to purchase new Dreamliner aircraft

Complementing Boeing’s strong offer, Flydubai has signed a deal to purchase 60 GE GEnx-1B engines to power its recently ordered 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. The agreement includes spare parts and long-term support as the airline prepares to launch long-haul flights.

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