$24B flydubai Airbus Deal Announced | Dubai Airshow
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – 20 November 2025: The Dubai Airshow 2025 is setting a new benchmark in the global aerospace sector, showcasing a series of record-breaking agreements and innovative advancements that illustrate the event’s pivotal role in industry transformation.
The palpable excitement during the second and third days of the Airshow featured significant milestones that underscore the future trajectory of aviation. Among the standout announcements was flydubai’s landmark agreement with Airbus to acquire 150 A321neo aircraft, with the option for an additional 100 units. This multimillion-dollar deal, valued at **US$ 24 billion**, marks flydubai’s inaugural order with Airbus, and deliveries are anticipated to commence in **2031**.
In related developments, Etihad Airways unveiled plans to enhance its Airbus fleet with an order for six A330-900s, solidifying its status as the latest customer for the A330neo series. Additionally, Etihad has ordered seven A350-1000 aircraft and three A350 freighters, along with a commitment to lease nine A330-900s from Avolon. Emirates followed suit, announcing an order for eight more A350-900 aircraft, valued at **US$ 3.4 billion**, while Ethiopian Airlines emerged as a new Airbus customer with an order of six A350-900s. The event also featured key agreements from Air Europa and Buraq Air, along with partnerships with Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and Aspire to bolster advanced aviation technologies, in collaboration with Strata and Mubadala.
Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus Africa and Middle East, remarked on the significance of the Airshow, stating, “This year continued the momentum of innovation and collaboration, as we signed landmark agreements with new customers like flydubai and Buraq Air. Furthermore, the expansion of Etihad Airways’ A350 fleet reflects the UAE’s increasing presence within the global aerospace supply chain amidst significant growth and investment in the region.”
Additionally, flydubai made headlines by ordering 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, while Gulf Air revealed an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, complementing its previous commitments and including options for three additional Dreamliners. In another significant announcement, AerCap reported that South African low-cost carrier FlySafair entered a lease agreement for five Boeing 737 family jets, consisting of three 737 MAX and two 737NG models.
During this iteration of the Dubai Airshow, EDGE Group leveraged the platform to unveil 42 new products and solutions—marking one of its most ambitious launch events to date. The Group also secured multiple agreements, including Memoranda of Understanding with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to explore collaborative opportunities in the aerospace, defence, and high-tech sectors, and with L3Harris Technologies to foster innovative solutions enhancing the UAE’s defence capabilities.
Hamad Al Marar, Managing Director and CEO of EDGE Group, noted, “Our participation at the Dubai Airshow illustrates EDGE’s commitment to redefining industry standards across air and space. We are thrilled about the launch of 42 new products, including the OMEN VTOL, developed through a co-partnership with US innovator, Anduril. Furthermore, our agreements, including a landmark **US$ 7 billion** contract with the Indonesian Armed Forces, reflect our strategic growth and partnerships on a global scale.”
Meanwhile, the Tawazun Council, representing the UAE Ministry of Defence and Abu Dhabi Police, announced 20 major contracts totaling **AED 18.016 billion** within the initial three days of the Airshow. These agreements underscore the UAE’s dedication to bolstering its defence ecosystem and enhancing private-sector contributions toward sustainable security solutions.
Manea Al Mansoori, spokesperson for Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, emphasized the importance of these agreements, stating, “Contracts with both national and international firms in the defence, security, and aviation sectors are crucial for strengthening the UAE’s defence and security industrial ecosystem. They support our strategic objectives centered around technology transfer, localization, and industrial growth, reflecting our commitment to sustainable innovation.”
The Airshow introduced a novel feature, ‘Airshow After Dark,’ uniting industry professionals for networking and entertainment in true Dubai style. A captivating drone display illuminated the night sky, showcasing aircraft shapes and the slogan ‘The Future is Here,’ reinforcing the Airshow’s innovative spirit.
Dubai Airshow continues to be the premier platform for the aerospace sector, hosting over 1,500 exhibitors, including 440 first-time participants, alongside 490 military and civil delegations from **115 countries**. The event gathers industry leaders amidst 21 country pavilions, 98 chalets, 120 start-ups, and 50 investors, all contributing to the future of aerospace and beyond.
