Dubai Airshow Day 4 roundup: programme updates, new tech and late-show deals
November 20, 2025
Day 4 of Dubai Airshow 2025 shifted from headline-grabbing megadeals to a more technical mix of capability updates, programme progress and emerging-tech showcases.
While the big commercial orders have largely settled, manufacturers, start-ups and defence players used the quieter day to spotlight prototypes, new variants and cabin innovations that might otherwise have been lost in the noise.
From Russia’s renewed push on the Su-75 to Uzbekistan’s Flexrotor acquisition, Libya’s first new-build Airbus order, and Lufthansa Technik’s clever touchscreen tray table, today’s announcements cut across defence, regional mobility, interiors and uncrewed systems. Here’s what stood out on Day 4.
Checkmate: Russia says its Su-75 stealth fighter is almost ready for flight tests
Russia’s defence-export agency has indicated that the Su-75 Checkmate light-tactical stealth fighter is moving into bench testing ahead of a first flight, reaffirming Moscow’s intent to keep the programme alive despite sanctions and delays.
Officials said subsystem and avionics testing is underway, with a full-scale prototype expected to follow as Russia continues positioning the jet for export markets rather than domestic service.
Airbus secures 1st Central Asia order for Flexrotor UAS at Dubai Airshow
Airbus Helicopters’ Flexrotor uncrewed aerial system has secured a contract with Uzbekistan during Dubai Airshow 2025, marking the platform’s first export sale in Central Asia.
The VTOL-capable UAS, designed for long-endurance ISTAR missions and weighing just 25 kg at launch, positions Uzbekistan for advanced crewed-uncrewed teaming scenarios.
Libya’s Buraq Air logs first brand-new aircraft order — 10 Airbus A320neos
Libyan airline Buraq Air has placed a landmark order for 10 Airbus A320neo-family jets at Dubai Airshow 2025, marking the first time the carrier has committed to brand-new aircraft.
The agreement, signed as an MoU, would effectively double the airline’s fleet from its current size if all jets are delivered, positioning the carrier for a broader route expansion and introducing it as a fresh Airbus customer.
REGENT’s Viceroy Seaglider makes splashes at Dubai Airshow with full-scale debut
The full-scale Viceroy Seaglider from REGENT Craft is on display at Dubai Airshow 2025, showcasing a hybrid vessel designed to lift from water on hydrofoils and skim above the surface in ground-effect mode.
With trials for rescue, offshore logistics and passenger missions already underway, the Seaglider is positioned as a bridge between boats and aircraft — particularly apt for coastal mobility in the Middle East.
Calidus unveils B-250LA light-attack aircraft at Dubai Airshow
Calidus has unveiled its new B-250LA light-attack variant at Dubai Airshow 2025, launching a flight-test campaign aimed at certification by 2027 and domestic production in the UAE.
The upgraded aircraft features enhanced payload, avionics and endurance, positioning it as a locally built competitor in the increasingly active light-attack market.
Lufthansa Technik unveils interactive ‘intellitable’ tray table with built-in display
Lufthansa Technik has unveiled the ‘nice intellitable’, a tray-table-embedded touchscreen display that transforms the surface from dining table to passenger interface with a hidden HD screen, preserving full meal-service function.
The system uses a lightweight, robust surface that integrates seamlessly into cabin design while delivering flight information, seat control, entertainment and ordering functions, marking a new step in passenger-facing interior technology.
Emirates to conduct in-house A380 Trent 900 engine MRO with new Rolls-Royce deal
Emirates Airline has signed a memorandum of understanding with Rolls‑Royce to begin performing maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of its Airbus A380 Trent 900 engines internally from 2027, strengthening control over its engine pool and supporting long-term fleet operations.
The agreement also extends Emirates’ Trent 900 TotalCare service arrangement into the 2040s, aligning with the carrier’s intention to continue operating the super-jumbo well beyond the standard lifecycle of its peers.
AGN will be on site again for the final day of the show, which traditionally brings fewer aircraft orders but often yields some of the most interesting technical conversations, last-minute reveals and programme clarifications. Keep our Dubai Airshow 2025 hub bookmarked for every update as we wrap up the week.
