Emirates has ordered eight Airbus A350s on the third day of the Dubai Airshow, while flydubai has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets.
Moreover, Airbus also received orders from Buraq Air and Silk Way West Airlines for A320neo and A350F freighters, respectively.
flydubai Signs MoU for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX Jets
Just 24 hours after announcing an MoU with Airbus for 150 A321neos, flydubai has now signed another MoU with Boeing for up to 150 Boeing 737 MAX jets. This includes 75 firm orders and 75 options.
Rather than signalling a shift in allegiance, the back-to-back announcements underscore the aim for fleet diversification, delivery security, and long-term growth positioning in a market where slots are becoming increasingly scarce.
“We are proud to place another 737 MAX order with Boeing…Reliable aircraft availability and timely deliveries are vital to the ongoing growth of our industry, and this agreement ensures we remain well-positioned for future growth, adding to the fleet as well as replacing current aircraft,” said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, commenting on the milestone announcement.
The agreement also marks an important moment for Boeing, landing a significant narrowbody commitment from one of the 737 MAX’s earliest operators. flydubai has quickly become one of the most active airlines of the entire Dubai Airshow 2025.
Emirates Orders Eight Airbus A350-900
Emirates has placed an additional order for eight Airbus A350-900s, valued at US$3.4 billion, further expanding its future widebody pipeline. While many in the industry were anticipating an eventual order for the A350-1000, the airline instead topped up the -900 variant.
This order brings the airline’s total A350-900 commitment to 73 aircraft, complementing the 13 units already delivered since the type entered service with the carrier last November.
Moreover, deliveries of the newly ordered jets are expected to begin in 2031, with the aim of supporting Emirates’ long-term network growth and product evolution.
“The Emirates A350’s entry into service last November has given us welcome additional capacity. It has also enabled us to introduce Emirates’ latest inflight products to more customers, including our popular Premium Economy seats,” said HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group.
The A350 has provided Emirates with extra flexibility on medium- and long-haul routes, enabling the rollout of its new-generation cabin products, including the fast-growing Premium Economy offering. This order follows the airline’s additional Boeing 777-9 commitment earlier in the week, raising Emirates’ orderbook to 375 next-generation widebodies.
Buraq Air Signs MoU for 10 Airbus A320neo
Buraq Air, Libya’s first private airline, has signed an MoU for 10 Airbus A320neo Family aircraft, marking a major step in the carrier’s fleet renewal strategy and making it a new Airbus customer.
This agreement aims to support the airline’s plan to modernise its narrowbody fleet and strengthen its position in the recovering Libyan aviation market.
The A320neo will become a key part of Buraq Air’s future network strategy as the airline expands its regional operations. The aircraft will also provide a unified platform to deepen cooperation with Medsky Airways, enabling both airlines to align schedules and expand joint connectivity.
“We are delighted to welcome Buraq Air as a new Airbus customer of the A320 Family and we thank them for their confidence. This agreement reinforces the A320neo as the aircraft of choice for fleet modernisation and we are dedicated to supporting Buraq’s Air strategic expansion plan” said Benoit de Saint-Exupéry.
At the end of October 2025, the A320neo Family has won over 11,300 orders from 150 customers worldwide.
Silk Way West Airlines Orders Additional A350F Freighters
Silk Way West Airlines has signed a firm order for two additional Airbus A350F freighters, bringing its total commitment for the type to four aircraft. The Baku-based carrier, already the largest cargo airline in the Caspian region, continues to accelerate its fleet renewal strategy.
“We are delighted to extend our partnership with Airbus on the A350F programme.The A350F will strengthen our leading position in the global air freight market as we continue to modernise our fleet and reduce our carbon footprint,” said Wolfgang Meier, President of Silk Way West Airlines.
For Airbus, it adds further momentum to the freighter’s launch campaign and strengthens its presence in the high-growth cargo segment. At the end of October 2025, the all-new A350F had registered 74 orders from 12 customers.