Dubai Airshow day 2 roundup: flydubai goes Airbus, uncrewed Su-57 & more
November 18, 2025
Day 2 of Dubai Airshow 2025 delivered another round of significant commercial and defence activity, with major orders, new programme signals, and early-stage technology deployments shaping the day’s headlines.
Airbus and Boeing shared the spotlight as Middle Eastern and African carriers firmed up fleet plans, while the advanced air mobility sector registered meaningful operational progress inside the UAE.
Across the static park and pavilions, manufacturers used the second day to push strategic messages, from Russia’s uncrewed Su-75 concept to Joby’s expanding vertiport network and first point-to-point eVTOL flight in the country. Here are the highlights from Day 2.
flydubai goes Airbus with order for its first-ever A321neo aircraft
flydubai has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, marking the carrier’s first move to introduce the European manufacturer’s models into what has been a predominantly Boeing fleet.
The agreement, unveiled on Day 2 of Dubai Airshow 2025, aligns with flydubai’s expansion strategy and underscores its commitment to diversifying its narrow-body fleet ahead of the planned growth of Dubai World Central airport.
Etihad orders A330-900neos, additional A350-1000s and A350Fs
Etihad Airways today confirmed a fleet expansion at the Dubai Airshow 2025 that includes six direct-purchase Airbus A330‑900 aircraft plus nine more on lease, marking Etihad as a new A330neo customer.
In addition, the carrier committed to seven further Airbus A350‑1000 jets (raising its fleet total for that type to 27) and three additional Airbus A350F freighters (bringing its total A350F commitment to ten).
Russia’s UAC unveils uncrewed twist on the Su-75 Checkmate
The expansive Russian pavilion at the airshow is displaying an uncrewed Su-75 mock-up, hinting at an autonomous variant of its long-promised light tactical fighter. The model, marked 750, suggests a shift toward loyal-wingman roles rather than a traditional export fighter.
Russian officials offered no technical details, leaving unanswered questions about whether this represents a real programme pivot or simply a concept showcase.
Joby expands Dubai network with three new vertiport sites and completes first UAE point-to-point eVTOL flight
US-based Joby Aviation has announced the development of three additional vertiport sites in Dubai — at Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Royal and the American University of Dubai — under its six-year exclusive agreement with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The company also completed the UAE’s first crewed electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight, flying from Margham to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in 17 minutes, signalling progress toward the launch of its Dubai commercial service in 2026.
Air Europa signs MoU for up to 40 Airbus A350-900s
Spanish carrier Air Europa has signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for up to 40 A350-900 aircraft, marking a strategic shift in the airline’s long-haul fleet renewal.
Currently operating an all-Boeing 787 fleet, Air Europa plans to deploy the A350-900s to strengthen its network into Latin America and improve operational and economic performance for its widebody operations.
Gulf Air expands Dreamliner fleet with additional Boeing 787 order
Gulf Air has finalised a firm order for 15 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft—with options for a further three—during Day 2 of Dubai Airshow 2025.
The deal boosts Gulf Air’s Dreamliner order book to 17 jets and supports the carrier’s ambition to scale its long-haul operations while topping up fleet modernisation and sustainability targets.
FlySafair leases five Boeing 737s from AerCap at Dubai Airshow
South African low-cost carrier FlySafair has struck a lease deal to acquire five AerCap-provided narrowbodies — three 737 MAX 8s and two 737-800 NGs — slicing into its next-generation fleet plans.
Deliveries of the 737-800s will commence in Q3 2026, while the 737 MAX jets are slated for early 2028, signalling a phased expansion and efficiency upgrade for the carrier.
Bristow commits to five Airbus H160s for African offshore work
Bristow Group will incorporate up to five Airbus H160 helicopters, leased from Milestone Aviation Group, into its fleet for oil-and-gas support operations in Nigeria.
Four of the aircraft are expected to be delivered in November 2025, with the final unit scheduled for September 2026.
As Day 2 closes, attention now shifts to what tomorrow’s programme might reveal, with several manufacturers hinting at further updates and more commercial activity expected as negotiations continue behind the scenes.
Whether Day 3 brings additional orders, new technology demonstrations, or the first glimpses of longer-term strategies, AGN will be tracking every development from the ground at DWC. Bookmark our Dubai Airshow 2025 news page to follow all the latest as it breaks.
