Dubai (TDI): Etihad Airways made waves at the Dubai Airshow 2025 while showcasing its plans for growth and innovation. The airline confirmed an order of 15 Airbus A330-900 aircraft, marking a key step in its fleet expansion and modernization efforts.
On the other hand, Emirates announced a $38 billion deal for 65 Boeing 777-9 aircraft to increase its fleet in response to rising air travel demand. Ethiopian Airlines has also confirmed an order for 11 additional Boeing 737 MAX jets to help it expand its regional and international services.
The Dubai Airshow is live till November 21 at the Dubai World Central and is themed “The Future is Here.” With 1,500 exhibitors, 200 aircraft across flying and static displays, 12 conference tracks, and more than 450 global visionaries sharing insights and ideas, the show has attracted 490 military and civilian delegations from 115 nations.
In addition to record-breaking aircraft orders, the introduction of next-generation defense systems and the growing emphasis on sustainability – ranging from electric aircraft concepts to sustainable aviation fuel programs, have caught the spotlight this year since the start of the show, on Monday.
On the rotary-wing side, Bristow Group joined as a new operator of the Airbus H160, enhancing offshore energy operations. The exhibition is also featuring military aviation highlights, such as the Hongdu L-15 advanced trainer, the UAE Air Forces’ Al-Fursan aerobatic team, and fighter jets including the F-35A and Su-57.
Read More: Chinese J-35A, J-10CE Fighter Jets Among Highlights at Dubai Airshow
Russia has made a strong presence at the Airshow, displaying over 900 pieces of armament and occupying a 5,000-square-meter pavilion.
The display includes sophisticated fighter jets like the Su-57E, helicopters like the Ka-52 and Ansat-M, the updated Yak-130M trainer, and a variety of unmanned aerial systems such as the Lancet-E, Supercam S350, and export version of the Forpost-RE drone.
Ground defense systems including the S-400 Triumph, Tor-E2, and Taifun-PVO(E) are also on display, along with space technology exhibits from Roscosmos, which included advanced satellites, rocket engines, and orbital station models.
Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter is also receiving significant attention at the show, with people gathering around both flying and static displays to learn about the multirole jet and its latest Block-III model.
Read More: PAF’s J-17 Steals Spotlight Ahead of UK Airshow
Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra has set up its whole aviation and aerospace portfolio, including the JF-17 program, indigenous avionics research, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.
China is also showcasing its advanced aviation technology, including the J-35A stealth fighter jet and the J-10CE fighter jet, among other cutting-edge military hardware.
The J-10CE fighter jet, equipped with PL series air-to-air missiles, was one of the standout displays at the booth of China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation (CATIC).
Another major Chinese presence at the event is the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC), which is exhibiting its domestically produced aero engines for the first time at the Dubai Airshow.
Minahil Khurshid
Minahil Khurshid holds a Master's in Peace and Conflict Studies from NUST. She is passionate about current affairs, public policy, and geopolitics.
