All eyes will be on the skies in November as the 2025 Dubai Airshow is back with thunderous excitement and billion-dollar agreements. As one of the most impactful aviation events on the international calendar, the Dubai Airshow has ever set the pace for the aerospace sector. From historically big aircraft orders to first-time technologies, this event is where ambition meets business.
The 2023 event recorded a whopping $101 billion worth of total orders. In 2025, it will only be more. With more than 1,400 exhibitors, 135,000 industry experts and 192 aircraft on display, the Dubai Airshow 2025 is an indicator of where the future of flying is going. The current year’s instalment, staged at the DWC Dubai Airshow Site from 17 to 17–21 November, will be highlighting new aircraft deals that will redefine global fleets. Let’s take a look at the biggest anticipated aircraft orders that will dominate the 2025 Dubai Airshow.
Emirates Expected to Increase Long-Haul Fleet
Dubai’s flagship carrier, Emirates, is widely expected to make a splash at the airshow. Speculation is already buzzing about a fresh order of Boeing 777X jets—a deal that would align with the airline’s goal of replacing its ageing 777-300ER fleet. Emirates might also eye the Airbus A350-1000, adding to its previous A350-900 order.
With its plans to increase long-haul capacity in preparation for high-profile international events such as Expo 2030 Riyadh and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, Emirates will probably utilise the Airshow forum to acquire widebody aircraft with fuel efficiency, increased range and higher capacity.
Projected Purchase:
- 50-70 Boeing 777X units
- 20-30 Airbus A350-1000 units
FlyDubai May Seal Narrow-Body Mega Deal
As Dubai’s low-cost carrier, FlyDubai is growing aggressively across short- and medium-haul routes. In 2023, they hinted at an interest in expanding their Boeing 737 MAX fleet. At the 2025 show, they will likely finalise a deal for next-gen narrow-body aircraft, possibly both from Boeing and Airbus. Increased regional tourism, economic diversification and strong bilateral agreements in the Middle East will likely motivate this purchase.
Expected Order:
- 80-100 Boeing 737 MAX 10
- 20-30 Airbus A320neo (potentially for fleet diversification)
IndiGo Might Lock in Widebody Expansion
India’s IndiGo, already among the world’s biggest A320 family operators, is rumoured to branch out into long-range operations. The Dubai Airshow sets the ideal setting for the airline to go wide.
The probable aircraft? The Airbus A350-900. With outward travel demand in India growing and codeshare agreements with European airlines, this development will enable IndiGo to compete on long-haul routes.
Anticipated Order:
- 20-30 Airbus A350-900 planes
Saudi Arabian Airlines May Announce National Fleet Strategy
Following Vision 2030, the aviation industry of Saudi Arabia is transforming at a gigantic scale. Riyadh Air, launched by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has launched a new national airline and can soon announce block orders to define its future fleet.
Look for orders from both Boeing and Airbus, striking a balance between local manufacturing interests and international delivery schedules. These orders will bolster the country’s ambition to connect to more than 100 destinations by 2030.
Expected Order:
- 60-80 units of Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- 30-40 units of Airbus A321XLR
Turkish Airlines Could Make Europe-Asia Link Stronger
Turkish Airlines boasts an extensive global network. With a developing hub in Istanbul, the airline will most likely employ the 2025 Dubai Airshow to enhance its Asia-Pacific and African linkages.
Both Airbus A350 and Boeing 787 Dreamliners could be the focus, with an increase in capacity and operational flexibility. Turkish Cargo can even order freighter variants due to surging e-commerce logistics.
Anticipated Order:
- 25-30 Airbus A350 units
- 20+ Boeing 777F or A350F freighters
Air India’s Follow-up to its Historic 2023 Order
After making headlines with a record-setting deal in 2023, Air India is not done. The TATA-backed airline will likely place additional orders in Dubai in 2025 to reinforce its premium fleet strategy.
Expect some surprise announcements—possibly a firm order for the A321XLR to penetrate high-demand secondary routes in Europe and Asia and more Boeing 777X for long-haul luxury.
Expected Order:
- 15-20 Airbus A321XLR
- 10-15 Boeing 777X
Freighter Deals on the Rise
With the demand for air cargo still strong, freighter planes will control some portion of the order book during the airshow. Airlines such as Qatar Airways Cargo, DHL Aviation and FedEx are expected to order the new Airbus A350F and Boeing 777XF.
Global e-commerce growth, Indian and Southeast Asian digital exports and rebalancing trade away from maritime bottlenecks will propel these transactions.
Projected Order:
- 40-50 freighter planes across Airbus and Boeing
The Boom in eVTOL and Sustainable Aviation
Flying taxis and eVTOL aircraft will take centre stage at this year’s Dubai Airshow. With Dubai itself targeting the launch of commercial air taxi services by 2026, both startups and traditional industry players will display their newest offerings. Orders from mobility companies, government departments and even real estate developers won’t be a surprise.
Electric plane trailblazers Joby Aviation, Archer Aviation and Volocopter will execute initial Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with their UAE-based counterparts.
Projected Order:
- 50+ eVTOL planes via MoUs or letters of intent
Key Takeaways from the 2025 Dubai Airshow
The Dubai Airshow will be a strategic arena for the next generation of global aviation. Look for record-shattering deals, surprise revelations and the arrival of new aircraft that will shape the way people and cargo travel over the next few decades.
From flag carriers to low-cost disruptors, from regional startups to eVTOL innovators, all sectors of the aviation world will make their mark. These aeroplane orders will fuel economies, link continents and make a better, more efficient aviation future a reality.
Keep your ears open. Skies above Dubai this November won’t just boom; they will redefine what’s possible.
