Emirates outlines fleet expansion and aircraft upgrade plans
Emirates concluded a week of announcements at the Dubai Airshow, outlining plans to expand its aircraft fleet, introduce updated cabin products, and strengthen partnerships aimed at supporting the UAE’s growing aerospace sector. The airline’s participation reflected its long-term capacity planning and focus on operational and technological upgrades.
During the event, Emirates showcased Airbus A380, A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft, attracting significant visitor interest. A number of visitors also experienced the airline’s in-flight connectivity solution aboard a Boeing 777 equipped with Starlink high-speed Wi-Fi.
As part of its fleet development strategy, Emirates confirmed orders for additional Boeing 777-9 and Airbus A350-900 aircraft, increasing its total widebody aircraft orderbook. Deliveries are scheduled over the long term, supporting the airline’s plans for continued network and capacity growth.
The airline also outlined plans to expand onboard connectivity and cabin upgrades. Emirates has begun installing Starlink technology across its fleet and plans to equip more than 200 aircraft over the next two years. In parallel, more than 100 existing aircraft are scheduled for comprehensive retrofits that include new cabin features and updated in-flight entertainment systems.
To strengthen connectivity across its network, Emirates announced expanded partnerships with several airlines. This includes a reciprocal codeshare agreement with South African Airways and an extended codeshare and loyalty partnership with Air Canada. The airline also highlighted ongoing cooperation with flydubai to improve regional connectivity.
In the area of sustainability, Emirates signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ENOC to explore initiatives related to the supply and development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Dubai. The airline also partnered with aviation technology firms to research methods to improve airspace efficiency at Dubai International Airport by reducing aircraft holding patterns.
Emirates confirmed a collaboration with OpenAI to deploy enterprise-level artificial intelligence tools across its organisation, supported by internal training and structured implementation.
Within its cargo division, Emirates SkyCargo signed an MoU with LODD Autonomous to explore the use of unmanned, hybrid heavy-lift aircraft for future cargo operations, as part of its long-term logistics strategy.
As part of efforts to expand local aerospace manufacturing and maintenance capabilities, Emirates signed multiple agreements to establish new facilities and services in the UAE. These include an MoU with Safran Seats to develop aircraft seat manufacturing capabilities in Dubai, and a partnership with the CCE Group to co-develop next-generation cabin and cargo products.
Emirates also signed an agreement with Rolls-Royce to enable in-house maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) of Trent 900 engines for its A380 fleet at a new facility. The agreement extends long-term service cooperation between the two companies.
Emirates Engineering received Design Organisation Approval (DOA) from the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority, enabling local certification of major aircraft modifications and strengthening domestic aerospace engineering capabilities.
During the event week, Emirates also received multiple industry awards recognising its operational and product performance.
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