Emirates flies full fleet in first-ever formation at Dubai Airshow 2025
The Emirates A350 on Monday made its first-ever flypast at the 2025 Dubai Airshow, joining the airline’s Boeing 777 and iconic A380 in a historic formation. The display marked the first time Emirates showcased its full commercial fleet in flight since the A350’s arrival in November 2024. Thousands of attendees witnessed the precision aerial performance above Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Precision Aerial Performance and Fleet Formation
The Emirates-led section of the 60-aircraft formation included other UAE commercial airlines alongside military jets and helicopters. Blending commercial and military expertise, the complex choreography highlighted the UAE’s aviation capabilities. The aircraft maintained specific positions during the display:
- Airbus A380: Led the formation at 500ft
- Boeing 777: Followed at 700ft
- Airbus A350: Soared at 900ft
Emirati Leadership and Meticulous Planning
An all-Emirati team piloted and coordinated the Emirates fleet. Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri commanded the A380, with Captain Ali Almarzooqi on the 777 and Captain Rashed Murshed on the A350. Deputy Chief Pilot Captain Khalid Akram oversaw the flight control committee managing the entire commercial segment. This seamless, safe performance required detailed consideration of air traffic patterns, weather, and wind, with Emirates collaborating with the Ministry of Defence, air traffic controllers, and the Dubai Air Show Flying Control Committee.
Strategic Fleet Evolution and Major Orders
The Emirates fleet is a bit of a peculiarity in the commercial aviation industry, operating as an all-widebody fleet. While the carrier has enjoyed a relatively simple fleet consisting of Airbus A380s and Boeing 777s for the past several years, this composition will soon change. Dubai Airshow 2025: Emirates confirms US$38bn order for 65 Boeing 777X aircraft. This adds to a significant number of new aircraft already on order:
- 115 Boeing 777Xs
- 50 Airbus A350-900s
- 30 Boeing 787-9s
Investment in A380 Longevity and Maintenance
Emirates, the world’s largest A380 operator, is doubling down its investments to maintain and improve operational efficiency well into the next decade. The airline has signed agreements worth over USD $1.5 billion at the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow to deliver aftermarket and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services. Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline, stated that "the A380 will remain core to our network and customer proposition for the next decade."
Key MRO Partners and Technical Support
To ensure the fleet is in tip-top shape, Emirates has established the following partnerships:
- Honeywell: Will provide wheels and carbon brakes for 116 A380 aircraft to reduce maintenance costs.
- Collins Aerospace: Signed a long-term agreement to support the A380 Main Landing gear overhaul program.
- Safran Landing Systems: Will provide exclusive services for the A380 Nose Landing gear.
- Lufthansa Technik: To provide Base Maintenance Services and C Checks across the next three years.
- Pratt and Whitney: Maintenance and support agreement for the airline’s PW980 Auxiliary Power Units.
Emirates also signed agreements with Gameco and Haeco for A380 C Checks, ensuring the double-decker fleet continues to demonstrate the UAE’s aviation excellence.
