DAS2025 Day 1: Major Orders Set the Tone at Dubai Airshow
Photo Source: Boeing Company
The Dubai Airshow opened with a surge of headline-grabbing announcements, as airlines across Africa, Europe, and the Middle East unveiled aircraft and engine orders that highlight both renewed confidence in the market and long-term fleet-modernization ambitions.
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From narrowbodies to the industry’s newest long-haul jets, Day 1 delivered a clear message: airlines are preparing for growth.
Air Senegal Makes Its Biggest Aircraft Order Ever
Air Senegal (HC) kicked off the show with the most significant aircraft order in its history, placing a firm commitment for nine Boeing 737-8s.
This is the airline’s first order for the type, marking a strategic shift toward newer, more fuel-efficient narrowbodies as the Dakar-based carrier eyes expansion across Africa and into Europe.
Boeing confirmed the transaction and spotlighted the deal during the official opening ceremony.
Emirates Signs a $38 Billion Deal for More 777-9s
Emirates dominated early headlines with a blockbuster order for 65 additional Boeing 777-9s, a deal valued at $38 billion at list prices.
Signed on the first morning of the show, the order pushes Emirates’ total Boeing widebody backlog to 315 aircraft, cementing its position as the world’s largest operator of Boeing long-haul jets — and underscoring its long-term bet on the 777X program.
The additional aircraft will support network growth and ensure the airline maintains high capacity as global travel demand continues to climb.
Ethiopian Airlines Adds 11 More 737 MAX Jets
Boeing also announced that Ethiopian Airlines has committed to purchasing 11 more 737 MAX aircraft, reinforcing the airline’s status as one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers.
Embraer Lands Strong Dual Orders from Helvetic and Air Côte d’Ivoire
Embraer recorded a promising start to the week with new regional jet orders from two operators:
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Helvetic Airways (Switzerland)
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Air Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa)
Both airlines will integrate additional E-Jets into their fleets as they pursue modernization and network expansion. The deals highlight sustained global demand for regional aircraft that balance efficiency with flexibility — a segment where Embraer continues to lead.
flydubai Selects GEnx Engines for Its Upcoming Dreamliner Fleet
In a move signaling its entry into long-haul operations, flydubai announced an agreement with GE Aerospace for 60 GEnx-1B engines, along with spares and a long-term services package.
The engines will power the airline’s upcoming fleet of 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking one of the carrier’s most significant strategic shifts since its founding. The order further strengthens the longstanding relationship between GE, Boeing, and Gulf carriers.
