Published on
November 23, 2025
By: Tuhin Sarkar
Emirates has made a significant impact at the Dubai Airshow, marking the event with major announcements and strategic investments aimed at driving the airline’s growth and advancing the UAE’s aerospace ambitions. The airline showcased its commitment to innovation by adding next-generation aircraft to its fleet and unveiling new technologies that aim to redefine the passenger experience. Emirates’ participation in the airshow was an opportunity to highlight its growing network of partnerships, cutting-edge in-flight technologies, and its support for the UAE’s D33 goals to position Dubai as a global aerospace hub.
The Dubai Airshow proved to be a pivotal event for Emirates, attracting over 82,000 visitors to experience its state-of-the-art products. With more than 15,000 guests experiencing Starlink’s high-speed Wi-Fi aboard the Emirates Boeing 777, the airline demonstrated its commitment to making flying better, more connected, and more sustainable. By showcasing the latest in aerospace technology, Emirates cemented its position as a leader in the aviation industry, setting the stage for future growth in the global market. These innovations are essential not only for enhancing customer satisfaction but also for reinforcing Emirates’ long-term growth strategy.
Emirates Expands Fleet with Major Aircraft Orders
One of the key highlights of Emirates’ presence at the Dubai Airshow was its announcement of major aircraft orders, including 65 Boeing 777-9s and 8 Airbus A350-900s, worth a combined total of US$41.4 billion. This marks a significant expansion to Emirates’ fleet, bringing its total wide-body aircraft orders to 375, with deliveries scheduled through 2038. The new aircraft will support the airline’s global expansion efforts, allowing it to enhance its network and improve operational efficiency. This large-scale investment underscores Emirates’ confidence in the future of air travel and its long-term commitment to growth.
The addition of the Boeing 777-9s and Airbus A350-900s will help Emirates strengthen its position as one of the world’s leading airlines. These next-generation aircraft are designed for efficiency and sustainability, helping the airline reduce fuel consumption and emissions while enhancing passenger comfort. This fleet expansion will not only help Emirates meet the growing demand for air travel but also support its goals of improving connectivity, particularly to key international destinations. As global travel rebounds, this investment positions Emirates to continue playing a leading role in the industry for years to come
Innovating In-Flight Experience with Starlink and Cabin Upgrades
In addition to its fleet expansion, Emirates is taking significant steps to enhance the in-flight experience for its passengers. At the Dubai Airshow, the airline unveiled Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi on one of its retrofitted Boeing 777-300ERs. This move aligns with Emirates’ commitment to providing passengers with the best connectivity available in the skies. The airline plans to install Starlink on 232 of its aircraft within the next two years, revolutionising the way passengers stay connected during their flights. With Starlink, Emirates is setting a new standard for in-flight internet speeds, which is becoming increasingly important for passengers who expect seamless connectivity.
Emirates also announced a series of cabin innovations and next-generation entertainment systems for 111 of its existing aircraft. These upgrades will provide an immersive, modern, and comfortable flying experience for passengers. Emirates continues to invest in its products to ensure that it remains at the forefront of the aviation industry, offering cutting-edge in-flight technology that enhances both business and leisure travel. With these improvements, the airline is raising the bar for what passengers can expect in terms of entertainment, comfort, and connectivity while flying.
Building Strong Network Partnerships for Future Growth
Emirates also focused on expanding its strategic partnerships at the Dubai Airshow. The airline enhanced its partnership with South African Airways, signing a reciprocal codeshare agreement that will further strengthen both airlines’ networks. Additionally, Emirates extended its reciprocal codeshare and loyalty partnership with Air Canada until December 2032, solidifying its commitment to deeper cooperation across various areas. These partnerships are key to Emirates’ strategy for expanding its global network and providing more seamless connections for passengers worldwide. The extension of these agreements also highlights Emirates’ dedication to providing passengers with more options and greater flexibility when travelling internationally.
The airline also showcased its successful collaboration with flydubai, which has been instrumental in expanding its reach within the UAE and beyond. Through its partnerships, Emirates is able to enhance its connectivity and provide passengers with a wider range of destinations to choose from. These strategic alliances will play a crucial role in Emirates’ ability to continue growing its network and meeting the evolving demands of air travel. The airline’s commitment to strengthening its partnerships demonstrates its focus on expanding its footprint and providing passengers with a global, connected travel experience.
Emirates Takes Bold Steps in Sustainability with SAF Initiatives
Sustainability continues to be a core focus for Emirates, with the airline taking bold steps to reduce its environmental impact. At the Dubai Airshow, Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ENOC to explore the development and supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Dubai. SAF is considered a key solution for reducing the aviation industry’s carbon footprint, and Emirates is positioning itself at the forefront of this effort. By working with ENOC and other industry partners, Emirates aims to accelerate the adoption of SAF, which will play a vital role in achieving the airline’s sustainability goals.
In addition to SAF initiatives, Emirates is also investing in research to enhance the efficiency of UAE airspace. The airline has partnered with Dans and Thales to pioneer new methods for reducing arrival holding patterns at Dubai International Airport (DXB), improving the efficiency of air traffic management. These efforts are expected to reduce fuel consumption and emissions, making air travel more sustainable in the long term. Through these initiatives, Emirates is reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and its role in shaping the future of aviation.
Aerospace Excellence and UAE’s Growing Capabilities
Emirates’ efforts to build a stronger aerospace industry in the UAE were highlighted by several significant announcements at the Dubai Airshow. The airline signed an MoU with Safran Seats to establish Dubai’s first aircraft seat manufacturing facility. This facility will initially produce retrofit seats for Emirates’ aircraft, with plans to expand into line-fit production in the future. The collaboration with Safran will help the UAE become a key player in the global aerospace supply chain, creating jobs and boosting local manufacturing capabilities.
Emirates also partnered with the CCE Group to co-develop next-generation cabin and cargo products in the UAE. This partnership will allow Emirates to tap into local expertise and manufacturing capabilities, further enhancing the UAE’s position as a hub for aerospace innovation. Additionally, Emirates has signed an MoU with Rolls-Royce to perform engine maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) for its A380 fleet in Dubai starting in 2027. This agreement will strengthen Emirates’ ability to manage its fleet locally, while also boosting the UAE’s expertise in aerospace engineering and maintenance.
Recognition and Awards for Emirates’ Excellence
Emirates’ success at the Dubai Airshow is not only reflected in its strategic investments and partnerships but also in the industry recognition it continues to receive. The airline was awarded ‘Best Airline in the World’ for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs travel awards, as well as ‘Airline of the Year’ and ‘Best First Class of the Year’ at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025. These accolades reinforce Emirates’ position as a global leader in the aviation industry and reflect its commitment to delivering exceptional service and innovation to its passengers.
Emirates’ recognition at these prestigious awards highlights its consistent dedication to excellence in both customer service and operational efficiency. The airline’s ability to maintain high standards year after year speaks to the quality of its fleet, its services, and its ongoing efforts to enhance the travel experience. With these awards and continued industry success, Emirates is well-positioned to continue its leadership in the aviation sector.
