Post by : Badri Ariffin

Dubai — Emirates concluded an impressive week at the Dubai Airshow, captivating aviation fans and industry professionals alike with the largest exhibit of Airbus A380, A350, and Boeing 777 aircraft to date. More than 82,000 visitors toured the airline's fleet, with over 15,000 experiencing Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi on a Boeing 777, underscoring Emirates' commitment to connected travel.

Fleet Expansion and Future Commitments

The airline revealed a significant expansion of its wide-body fleet, confirming orders for 65 Boeing 777-9s and 8 Airbus A350-900s, amounting to $41.4 billion. These new additions raise Emirates’ total confirmed aircraft orders to 375, with deliveries planned through 2038, solidifying its strategy for long-term growth.

Upgraded Cabins and Connectivity Initiatives

Emirates disclosed plans to upgrade 111 aircraft with advanced cabin enhancements and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Additionally, Starlink Wi-Fi will be rolled out across 232 planes over the next two years. Attendees experienced high-speed connectivity firsthand, reflecting Emirates' dedication to enhancing passenger comfort and connectivity.

Global Partnerships Intensified

The airline has fortified its codeshare agreement with South African Airways and extended its partnership with Air Canada to 2032, fostering synergy across loyalty programs and operational collaboration. Continuing its collaboration with flydubai, Emirates is expanding its global network.

Sustainable Aviation Initiatives

Aligning with Dubai’s sustainability objectives, Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding with ENOC to promote the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Collaborations with Thales are set to optimize arrival patterns at DXB, and Emirates’ partnership with OpenAI introduces ChatGPT Enterprise for enhanced organizational AI integration and training.

Advancements in Cargo and Aerospace Manufacturing

Through Emirates SkyCargo and LODD Autonomous, the exploration of hybrid unmanned cargo aircraft will pave the way for next-gen logistics. The airline also inked several memoranda of understanding to advance Dubai’s aerospace sector:

• Safran Seats: Establishing Dubai’s first aircraft seat manufacturing facility for retrofits and future production.

• CCE Group: Jointly developing cutting-edge cabin and cargo solutions.

• Rolls-Royce: Maintenance, repair, and overhaul of Trent 900 engines for Emirates’ A380 fleet commencing in 2027, securing TotalCare service into the 2040s.

Emirates Engineering achieved the UAE’s inaugural Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the GCAA, facilitating local certification for substantial aircraft modifications and advancing national aerospace capabilities.

Recognition and Awards

During the event, the airline received accolades, including ‘Best Airline in the World’ for the eighth consecutive year at the ULTRAs travel awards, along with Airline of the Year and Best First Class of the Year at the Aviation Business Middle East Awards 2025.

#Emirates #UAE News