After a quiet Day 1, Airbus opened Day 2 with major orders from Etihad Airways, flydubai, Air Europa and Ethiopian Airlines.
Moreover, Boeing also received order from Gulf Air, following a successful Day 1.
Etihad Airways Orders Airbus A330neo, A350-1000 and A350F
Etihad Airways has placed a firm order for six A330-900s, becoming the newest customer for the A330neo. It is also expanding its A350 fleet with seven additional A350-1000s (now totaling 27) and three more A350F freighters, bringing its A350F commitment to 10.
Moreover, the Abu Dhabi-based carrier also revealed that it will acquire nine A330-900s on lease from Avolon, signalling a rapid scaling of its widebody capacity rather than a slow, incremental expansion.
“The A330neo brings the right combination of efficiency and flexibility for our regional and mid-range growth, while the A350-1000 continues to deliver exceptional performance on our long-haul network. The A350F freighter adds significant capability to our cargo division as global demand continues to expand,” said Antonoaldo Neves, Etihad Airways CEO.
With the new Airbus order, Etihad will operate the entire Airbus wide-body fleet, including the A380, A350 family, including the freighter, and the A330neo.
flydubai Signs Landmark Agreement for 150 Airbus A321neos
flydubai has made one of the biggest announcements of the day, signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for 150 A321neo aircraft, officially marking the carrier’s entry into the Airbus customer base. The deal represents a major shift for the all-Boeing operator.
The A321neos are expected to support the next phase of flydubai’s network development and meet rising demand.
“We are pleased to announce a landmark agreement for 150 A321neo aircraft, representing another important milestone in flydubai’s journey. This new agreement is not only about adding aircraft. It supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai.
He added that the A321neo’s introduction will diversify flydubai’s narrow-body fleet and support the expansion of Dubai World Central (DWC), which the airline aims to help transform into the world’s largest airport.
Gulf Air Firms Boeing 787 Dreamliner Order
Gulf Air has firmed an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with options for three additional aircraft, as the Bahraini flag carrier plans to accelerate the next phase of its long-haul growth strategy.
Moreover, this new agreement adds three more Dreamliners to the commitment announced in July, bringing the airline’s total 787 order book to 17 aircraft.
“Today’s signing marks a significant advancement in Gulf Air’s long-term fleet development efforts. By confirming our acquisition of the Boeing 787 Dreamliners, we are accelerating our strategy to increase capacity, strengthen long-haul operations, and deliver an elevated, more sustainable travel experience to our passengers,” said Khalid Husain Taqi, chairman of Gulf Air Group.
Air Europa Signs MoU for Up to 40 Airbus A350-900s
Air Europa has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for up to 40 Airbus A350-900s, a major step toward renewing its long-haul fleet. Announced at the Dubai Airshow, the deal will form the core of the airline’s future widebody operations.
The A350-900s will replace the airline’s existing long-haul competitor fleet, expand Air Europa’s reach in Latin America, where the aircraft’s range, fuel efficiency, and operating economics offer advantages.
“This order is a strategic milestone in Air Europa’s fleet development, accelerating its profitable growth by renewal of the current widebody fleet. The A350-900 is a game-changer for key destinations in Latin America,” said Juan Jose Hidalgo, President of Air Europa.
Ethiopian Airlines order six additional A350-900
Ethiopian Airlines has placed a firm order for six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, further strengthening its position as the largest A350 customer in Africa. This agreement was signed at the Dubai Airshow by Mr. Mesfin Tasew, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business .
According to Airbus, at the end of October 2025, the A350 Family had won over 1,400 orders from 64 customers worldwide.