Dubai Airshow 2025: It Was a Full-Throttle, Next-Gen Aviation Masterclass!

What an absolute whirlwind! The Dubai Airshow this year wasn’t just another industry event; it was a full-on, future-of-flight spectacle, and I was right there in the middle of it. Seriously, if you’re an aviation enthusiast, this is the place where dreams take wing. The energy, the deals, and, of course, the incredible metal on display were simply next level.

I’m buzzing from the experience, so let’s get straight into the highlights that truly stole the show and gave me some unforgettable “pinch-me” moments.

The buzzword this year? Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). You couldn’t walk ten feet without hearing about eVTOLs (electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft). The spotlight was firmly on Joby Aviation, which didn’t just showcase a model—they announced three new vertiports for Dubai and had a successful point-to-point test flight in the UAE leading up to the show!

• Joby’s S4 Air Taxi: This was a real game-changer. Seeing the shift from concept to near-commercial reality for urban air taxis right in Dubai (which is gunning to be a world-leader in this space) was truly incredible. It felt like we were watching the first chapter of a sci-fi movie come to life.
• Sustainability Focus: The sheer volume of conversations around Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and decarbonization was immense. It’s clear the industry is making a real commitment to a greener future.

For me, getting up close to the static displays is always a treat, but this year’s lineup was pure aviation royalty.

The Royal Jet BBJ: Ultimate VIP Luxury

Stepping onto the Royal Jet Boeing Business Jet (BBJ) was like walking into a flying palace. This isn’t just a plane; it’s a statement. The interior finishes, the space, the sheer luxury… it redefines what private travel can be. It was an amazing opportunity to see how the top end of business aviation is evolving.

You all know my love for the classics, and the Aquiline 747-400BCF (Boeing Converted Freighter) was a massive highlight. While passenger 747s are fading, the Freighter Queen is proving she still reigns supreme in the cargo world.

The scale of this aircraft on the static display is just awe-inspiring, a powerful reminder of this majestic aircraft’s lasting impact on global logistics.

The biggest players brought their heavy hitters, and there were two moments that truly dominated the air and the order books:

Emirates’ A350 Showcase

Emirates truly made a statement. While the A380 is an icon, seeing the next-gen Emirates A350 alongside their 777 and A380 in a stunning flypast was a historic moment.

The A350 is the future of their mid-to-long-haul fleet, and it was fantastic to see the sleek aircraft in their livery. The energy around their massive new order commitment was palpable, this airline is seriously gearing up for massive growth.

The Boeing 777X Reveal and Order Frenzy

If the show had a main event, it was the Boeing 777X. The flight test aircraft was there, and getting a first-hand look at this colossal twinjet was electrifying. Its sheer size, those massive GE9X engines, and the iconic folding wingtips, it’s a marvel of engineering.

But the real story? Emirates went BIG. They placed a huge additional order for the 777X, cementing its future and signaling massive confidence in the next era of widebody travel. This plane is going to change the face of long-haul flying, and being so close to it felt like standing in the future.

My Overall Takeaway

This Dubai Airshow was a perfect blend of the giants we know and love and the cutting-edge tech that’s about to redefine air travel.

From the pure luxury of the Royal Jet BBJ to the industrial power of the Aquiline 747, and the tantalizing glimpse of the future with the Joby eVTOL and the 777X, it was a truly unforgettable experience.

The deals were massive, the planes were spectacular, and the community was buzzing. The future of aviation isn’t coming; it’s already here, and it’s looking spectacular.

This is it guys, wherever you’re off to, have a safe trip!