Dubai Airshow day 3: Emirates says no to A350-1000, Archer builds UAE fortress & more
November 19, 2025
Day 3 of Dubai Airshow 2025 kept up the momentum, delivering a steady flow of fleet moves, new partnerships and long-range strategic signals from airlines, OEMs and emerging-tech players.
The tone shifted slightly from blockbuster Day 1 and Day 2 orders toward more targeted deals, programme updates and deeper detail from the companies shaping aviation’s next decade.
Across commercial, defence and advanced air mobility, today’s announcements pushed the conversation beyond simple aircraft counts and into capability, timelines and regional strategy. Here are the stories that defined Day 3.
Archer makes UAE its second home as it targets 1st Midnight eVTOL passenger flights in 2026
Archer Aviation plans to launch passenger-carrying flights of its Midnight eVTOL aircraft in the UAE by 2026, signifying a key step in its global urban air mobility strategy.
The initiative is part of a broader push to establish the UAE as a major launch market for advanced air taxis, integrating local infrastructure, regulation and sustainability goals into the deployment plan.
Boeing–Saab–BAE team up to offer T-7 as successor to RAF Hawk and future Red Arrows platform
The Boeing T‑7 Red Hawk is now front-runner in the Royal Air Force’s search for a successor to the ageing Hawk trainer, following a partnership between BAE Systems, Boeing and Saab that includes potential UK final-assembly.
This move marks a key moment in the UK’s broader pilot-training overhaul, as defence officials target replacement of both Hawk T1s (used by the Red Arrows) and Hawk T2s ahead of the next generation of combat aircraft.
Boeing has sold more 787 Dreamliners in 2025 than in any year except when it launched
Boeing is on track for its strongest year for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, excluding its launch year, having booked 320 orders so far this year — roughly half of which are for the 787-10 model.
Beyond headline sales numbers, Boeing argues that the Middle East remains one of the most strategically important regions for the 787. In the last decade, 71 new city pairs have opened up with the 787 from the Middle East regions, showcasing the versatility of Boeing’s widebody.
flydubai splits the difference with Boeing 737 MAX order
Following day 2’s huge order for the Airbus A321neo, flydubai has spread the love around the OEMs with a follow-on order for 75 more 737 MAX.
These huge aircraft orders hint at some major expansion for Dubai’s regional airline as it gears up to connect even more destinations.
Emirates orders more Airbus A350-900s as A350-1000 still fails to impress
Following its huge order for more Boeing 777X yesterday, Emirates also showed Airbus some love, but with an order that was not in the same league. Just eight A350-900s were ordered – substantial in terms of dollar value, but not the A350-1000 order everyone’s been holding their breath for.
Speaking to AGN on the sidelines of the show, Emirates COO Adel Al Redha said the powerplants still aren’t getting the time on wing that the carrier desires. “We need a reliable engine,” he said.
Archer supplies its eVTOL powertrain to EDGE and Anduril for Omen UAV
Edge-pursuit specialist Anduril Industries and eVTOL manufacturer Archer Aviation have inked a pact to advance the propulsion system for the Omen unmanned aerial system, targeting next-generation endurance, intelligence and edge-capability.
The collaboration seeks to merge Archer’s electric powertrain expertise with Anduril’s autonomy stack, enabling a high-endurance UAV able to support contested and permissive environments.
Ethiopian Airlines to expand its Airbus fleet with an order for 6 additional A350-900s
Ethiopian Airlines confirmed an order for additional Airbus A350‑900 aircraft at the airshow. The order, when combined with the 26 examples of the A350 that the airline currently operates, cements the carrier’s position as the continent of Africa’s largest A350 operator.
The deal reflects the carrier’s ambition to grow its global network and modernise its widebody operations, leveraging more fuel-efficient and higher-capacity jets in its portfolio.
Morocco orders 10 Airbus H225Ms to replace ageing Puma fleet
The Royal Moroccan Air Force has placed a firm order for 10 Airbus H225M helicopters during the Dubai Airshow 2025, marking a significant step in its rotary-wing modernisation programme.
The new fleet will gradually replace the legacy SA330 Puma helicopters and is configured for combat search-and-rescue roles across Morocco’s coastal and interior regions
IndiaOne Air signs LOI for up to ten Twin Otter aircraft
Regional Indian carrier IndiaOne Air has signed a Letter of Intent with De Havilland Canada for up to ten Twin Otter Series 300-G aircraft, a move aimed at expanding connectivity to underserved and remote regions. De Havilland Canada+1
The Twin Otter 300-G offers short-take-off and landing (STOL) performance and rugged versatility, making it ideal for small runways and challenging infrastructure — exactly the kind of environments IndiaOne Air says it intends to serve.
Emirates launches next phase of massive cabin retrofit
Revealed at the airshow, Emirates will retrofit 111 more aircraft: 60 A380s and 51 Boeing 777s, starting August 2026, as part of a US$5 billion programme that ultimately covers 219 jets.
The upgrades include the airline’s newest-generation business class seats, a Premium Economy cabin, economy Z400 seats, 4K OLED IFE screens and Starlink WiFi, all aimed at delivering a consistent, premium onboard experience across its long-haul fleet.
Silk Way West boosts freighter fleet with A350F repeat order
Azerbaijan-based Silk Way West Airlines has signed a firm contract for two additional Airbus A350F freighters at Dubai Airshow 2025, bringing its total commitment for the type to four.
\The move underpins the carrier’s widening role in global air-cargo and supports its ambition to establish Azerbaijan as a major logistics hub along the Silk Road corridor.
Archer sets path for Saudi rollout with strategic eVTOL alliance
Archer Aviation has inked a landmark agreement to deploy its Midnight eVTOL in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, partnering with local players to fast-track operations and infrastructure development.
The deal sets a clear goal of entering commercial service within the region, positioning the company at the centre of the Middle East’s push into electric air mobility.
We’ll be on the ground again for Day 4, which traditionally brings fewer headline orders but often produces some of the most interesting programme insights and late-show reveals. Keep our Dubai Airshow 2025 hub bookmarked for rolling updates as the week continues.
