flydubai, Emirates place blockbuster aircraft orders

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What we're tracking today

TODAY: flydubai + Emirates lock in more jet orders

Good morning, nice people. It was yet another busy day at Dubai Airshow, with a flurry of agreements covering everything in aviation. We also have the latest on Humain’s data center infrastructure partnerships with US’ major players. PLUS: A quick look into K2’s efforts to advance autonomous logistics in Abu Dhabi. Shall we?

HAPPENING TODAY-

The Dubai Airshow is on its fourth day and will run through until Friday, 21 November at Dubai World Central. Focusing on a diverse range of subjects — including aerospace technology advancements, sustainable aviation solutions, and cybersecurity — the conference will host some 135k attendees and around 1.4k exhibitors. There will be 192 aircraft on display with USD 101.5 bn orders already booked, according to the event brochure (pdf).

WATCH THIS SPACE-.

#1- UAE’s Madari looks to introduce space data centers by 2026: UAE-based Madari Space and South Korea’s Innospace inked an MoU to explore joint development of space-based data infrastructure, including space data centers in the UAE, Space and Defense reports. It is aiming to launch its first orbital data center by 2026 in partnership with Mohammed bin Rashid Space Center and the United Nations for Outer Space Affairs, as demand for secure, AI-powered data processing and storage in low-Earth orbit rises.

We knew this was coming: The Abu Dhabi-based startup’s CEO Shareef Al Romaithi recently announced plans to launch data centers in low-Earth orbit, anticipating rollout by 3Q 2026. Al Romaithi also said Madari has been targeting governments and businesses with space operations for backup data storage alternatives.

SPEAKING OF DATA CENTERS- Advanced chips are finally coming to Saudi, UAE: The US Commerce Department approved sales of advanced AI semiconductors to Saudi and the UAE in a long-anticipated decision coinciding with the Saudi Crown Prince’s visit to Washington.

The approval authorizes PIF’s AI champion Humain and UAE’s G42 to purchase up to 35k GB300 processors from Nvidia, provided they meet “rigorous security and reporting requirements,” according to the department’s post on X.

#2- Oman could be latest addition to Russia-led INSTC corridor: Oman is mulling plans to integrate itself into the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), the Oman Daily Observer reports, citing discussions at the Oman-Russia business forum last week.

The pitch: With the Gulf country working to position itself as a regional logistics hub with major investments in the sector, Russia can utilize Oman as a transit hub to access African and Asian markets, Oman–Russia Joint Business Council Chairman Hamed al Dhahab reportedly said. Meanwhile, Russia views Oman as an access point to the region and Africa, as it looks to diversify routes with new overland links in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

INSTC is gaining momentum regionally: Iran’s Aprin dry port received the first scheduled Russian rail freight service on Saturday, marking a milestone for the INSTC. Moscow is also planning to invest EUR 1.6 bn in Iran’s Rasht-Astara railway, a 162 km connection that is set to close the loop for the planned INSTC’s multimodal routes stretching over 7.2k km

#3- Texas-based Golden Pass LNG project, an Exxon-Qatar joint venture, is lining up its first LNG export shipment in February 2026, Bloomberg reports. The timeline is not set in stone yet, but earlier reports indicated the facility would begin production before the end of the year.

REMEMBER- Golden Pass — set to become the ninth operational LNG export facility in the US — is part of a LNG production boom in the US, with the project set to add 18 mn tons to the US annual capacity once completed. QatarEnergy holds a 70% stake in the project, and ExxonMobil retains the remaining 30%.

Gulf investors are going big on US LNG: The Qatari investment in the US LNG is among many from Gulf players, with Adnoc’s investment arm XRG snapping up an 11.7% stake in Rio Grande LNG and Mubadala securing a 24% equity in Texas Kimmeridge’s SoTex earlier this year. Aramco is also exploring a possible stake in Port Arthur LNG Phase 2 after signing a heads of agreement with Sempra back in 2024.

#4- Flydubai plans to return to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in two years, CEO Ghaith Al Ghaith told reporters. The airline is planning to “start small and grow big,” he added. The carrier operated at the airport prior to the pandemic, after which it halted its flight operations, focusing its operations on Dubai International Airport. The airline is planning on operating from both airports in Dubai within two years.

All eyes on DWC: Emirates is earmarking USD 10-12 bn in investments for DWC — and the airport also received an expression of interest for up to USD 3.5 bn from the UK’s export credit agency UK Export Finance to facilitate the airport’s expansion.

IN OTHER AVIATION NEWS- Airbus is eyeing a maxed-out A350. Airbus is mulling plans for a larger version of the A350 carrier — with Emirates hinting at large and more advanced twin-engined jets, Commercial Planemaking Business CEO Christian Scherer said. The giant manufacturer’s interest in the move comes after rival Boeing indicated the possibility of a stretched version of its delayed 777X jet — after selling 65 of its largest model to Emirates on the first day of the Dubai Airshow.

Derby rivalry? Emirates’ USD 38 bn order for 65 Boeing 777-9s isn’t just a fleet expansion — it’s a power move that tilts the long-haul rivalry back in favor of the US planemaker after years of certification delays. This order puts pressure on the French manufacturer, as its A350 cannot match the 777X in capacity, making the A350’s capacity stretch seem less like an optional upgrade and more like a necessity if Airbus wants to keep pace.

MARKET WATCH-

#1- Oil prices fell this morning amid oversupply concerns after reports of a renewed US push to end the Russia-Ukraine war, Reuters reports. Brent crude futures fell USD 0.16 to trade at USD 63.67 / bbl as of 03:38 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) dropped by USD 0.17 to USD 59.61 / bbl.

#2- Baltic index continues to move upward: The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index — which tracks rates for the capesize, panamax, and supramax vessel segments — gained 2% to 2,260 on Wednesday, on the back of gains across all segments. The capesize increased 3.4% to 3,636, while the panamax index was up by 0.7% to 1,895. The smaller supramax index rose 0.2% to 1,430.

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DID YOU KNOW that we also cover Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE ***

CIRCLE YOUR CALENDAR-

Egypt will host the International Procurement Supply Chain Conference on Saturday, 6 December in Cairo. The event will gather over 1k delegates, more than 400 organizations, and over 30 global speakers to discuss the future of trade through keynotes and panel discussions. The discussions will center on Egypt’s transformation in the logistics sector, the future of smart ports and supply chains, as well as digital ecosystems.

Morocco is hosting the Rail Industry Summit on Tuesday, 9 December until Wednesday, 10 December in El Jadida. The two-day event will gather 130 exhibitors, 250 companies, and over 900 participants from 15 countries. It will feature business meetings, high-level conferences, and workshops focused on new market trends and future strategies.

Saudi Arabia is hosting the Saudi Airport Exhibition on Tuesday, 16 December until Wednesday, 17 December in Riyadh. Upwards of 10k global attendees are expected to participate in the event from over 100 countries. The two-day event will focus on airport-related innovation, and will feature participation from Saudia, SolitAir, and Amadeus.

Check out our full calendar at the bottom of this email for a comprehensive listing of upcoming news events and news triggers.

flydubai locks in Boeing order, Emirates makes USD 2.4 bn Airbus order

The Dubai Airshow wrapped up day three with another round of big jet orders, with competition intensifying between Boeing and Airbus in most categories of widebody and narrow-body jets. Agreements for engine orders, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) also continued to make the rounds.

BOEING ORDERS-

Boeing snaps up remaining flydubai order: Dubai-based airline flydubai has placed an order with US manufacturer Boeing for 75 jets of the narrow-body 737 Max model — with an option to add 75 planes, according to a statement. The order — whose value was not disclosed — will add more Boeing 737 aircraft to the carrier’s fleet, which operates 96 jets of the same 737 family.

The new order brings the airline’s total orderbook made at this year’s Dubai Airshow to up to 300 narrow-bodies, after it earlier placed its first order with Airbus for 150 of the A321 aircraft. The transaction is valued at USD 24 bn, sources told Reuters.

Airbus bagged the big slice: The European manufacturer snagged the bulk of Flydubai’s order due to their jet range and size, flydubai CEO Ghaith Al Gaith told Reuters. “Whenever you make an order of that magnitude, you have to scale or you have to evaluate it on the basis of its merits,” he explained.

AIRBUS ORDERS-

Airbus’ A350 widebodies were Airbus’ most sought-after model on day three of the Dubai Airshow, with at least three orders from regional and global players. The A320 narrow-body models came in second, with an order from Libya’s Buraq Air.

DATA POINT- The orders underscore the growing popularity of the A350 family, which had received over 1400 orders from 64 customers by the end of October 2025.

Here’s a rundown for the day:

#1- Emirates has locked in an order for eight additional Airbus A350-9 jets — valued at USD 3.4 bn, according to a statement. The widebody jets — powered by Rolls-Royce Trent engines — are scheduled for delivery in 2031. Once delivered, the new order will expand the carrier’s A350-9 fleet to a total of 73 units.

The sky is yours, Emirates: Dubai’s flagship airline placed a USD 38 bn order for 65 Boeing 777-9 jets earlier this week at the show. Boeing will launch deliveries of the order effective from Q2 2027.

DATA POINT- Emirates’ total orderbook now stands at 375 aircraft units, including 323 widebodies — which will add to the airline’s 269 planes in operation.

#2- Libyan private carrier Buraq Air signed an MoU with Airbus for an order of 10 narrow-body A320neo aircraft, according to a press release. The agreement signals a major expansion for the airline, which currently operates a small fleet of a handful of aircraft. This move aligns with the Tripoli-based carrier’s push to modernize its fleet and expand its destinations.

#3- EgyptAir to add three Airbus planes to its fleet: Egypt’s flagship airline EgyptAir has tapped Singapore-based leasing firm BOC Aviation to lease three newbuild Airbus A350-9 aircraft, according to a statement. Under the contract, BOC Aviation will purchase the widebody aircraft from Airbus and lease them to EgyptAir.

How will this work? BOC Aviation has uptaken three aircraft from this total order under a sale and lease agreement. Of the three, one will be leased under an operational leasing system, while the other two will be under a financial leasing system. The first aircraft is slated to arrive by the end of the year, while the remaining two will be delivered in 2026.

The financing: EgyptAir has financed the uptake of its first batch of five — out of its 16 A350-9 jets orderbook locked back in June at the Paris Airshow. Egypt’s Finance Ministry also provided EGP 20 bn (c. USD 396.53 mn) financing facility to EgyptAir Holding Company to help expand the airline’s fleet.

#4- Ethiopian Airlines has ordered six additional Airbus A350-900 widebody aircraft, according to a press release. This dovetails into the carriers’ Boeing order earlier this week for 11 of the narrow-body 737 Max jets.

ENGINE ORDERS-

#1- Riyadh Air finalized an order for 120 LEAP-1A engines from CFM International to power its 2023 order for 60 A321neo jets, according to a statement . The agreement also covers spare engines for the narrow-body A320 fleet, and the kits will be crafted to increase the engines’ durability in hot climates.

#2- Saudia inked a strategic agreement with GE Aerospace for GEnx-1B engines to power its widebody Boeing 787-9 and 787-10 fleet, according to a statement. The agreement includes the supply of engines, a multi-year MRO program, as well as spare engines and training programs delivered through Saudia Technic.

MRO-

#1- An Airbus A400M dedicated MRO center: The aircraft manufacturer inked an agreement with Abu Dhabi-based manufacturer Calidus Holding Group to look into the development of a localized Airbus A400M-dedicated MRO hub in the UAE, state news agency Wam reports.

#2- Mubadala’s subsidiary Sanad Group has partnered with France’s Safran to establish an aircraft-engine testing center in Al Ain with investments exceeding AED 500 mn, CEO Mansoor Janahi told Asharq Business (watch, runtime: 9:19) on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow. The facility will be twice the size of Sanad’s Abu Dhabi Center.

#3- Joramco + Iraq’s Global Aviation sign MRO pact: Jordan-based, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise-backed MRO outfit Joramco signed an agreement with Iraq’s newly minted airline Global Aviation to carry out C-checks on the carrier’s A321 fleet, according to a statement. Global Aviation was launched in 2024 with a fleet of two Airbus A321 aircraft, focusing on two destinations: Jeddah and Madinah.

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS-

Emirates + Enoc partner up on SAF: Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) has inked an MoU with Emirates Airways to explore and establish joint ventures for the supply of SAF to the Emirates, with Dubai serving as its hub, according to a statement. Under the agreement, the pair will study the SAF supply market — including supply chain infrastructure, production capacity, and commercial viability.

REMEMBER- Enoc signed an MoU with Mercantile & Maritime Group’s subsidiary MENA Biofuels to collaborate on the offtake, supply, and distribution of SAF during day two of the conference.

PIF-backed Humain partners with big US players over data center infrastructure

The US-Saudi Investment Forum held in Washington saw the signing of a spate of AI infrastructure agreements on Wednesday, according to a statement. The pacts came as part of USD 267 bn in new agreements for collaborations that also include defence, mining, energy, and nuclear power, and they add to USD 307 bn signed during US President Donald Trump’s visit to Riyadh in May.

DATA CENTERS

PIF’s AI champion Humain stole the show at the forum, partnering with big names in the US tech sector to power the delivery of both AI infrastructure and software in Saudi and abroad. The partnerships build on the Commerce Department’s approval yesterday to sell highly advanced Nvidia chips to Humain.

#1- An AI infrastructure JV with Cisco, AMD: Humain is partnering up with AMD and Cisco to form a JV that builds data centers in the Middle East, according to a statement from Cisco. AMD and Cisco will be exclusive suppliers of products and services to the JV, targeting to deliver 1 GW of AI infrastructure by 2030.

What we know: AMD and Cisco are minority shareholders and will share in gains and losses, CEOs of the three companies told Reuters without disclosing additional financial details. "We will together really have responsibility for ensuring that it's successful," AMD CEO Lisa Su said.

Already landed the first client: The unnamed JV will start with delivering a 100 MW data center in Saudi Arabia to supply video startup Luma AI, Humain CEO Tareq Amin told the newswire. Cisco will provide networking equipment and infrastructure while AMD will provide its MI450 AI chips. Cisco will also push capacity sales for future data centers, CEO Chuck Robbins said.

Construction of the first stage is slated to begin in 2026, using renewable energy entirely, Amin added.

#2- Humain led a USD 900 mn Series C funding round in Luma AI, which saw participation from AMD, and existing investors Andreessen Horowitz, Amplify Partners, and Matrix Partners, according to a press release. The round values Luma at USD 4 bn.

Luma will be the anchor customer for Project Halo, an AI data center cluster in Saudi that is planned to eventually reach 2 GW of capacity, the statement said. The first GW is targeted to be online by 2030, Humain’s Tareq Amin told Bloomberg.

Luma’s partnership with Humain dates back to June, when the two announced that the AI startup will be powering the entertainment division Humain Create.

#3- Humain is also partnering up with Elon Musk’s xAI to build a network of data centers, according to a statement. The two companies will start with a 500 MW facility in Saudi, and will cooperate to deploy xAI’s Grok models across the Kingdom.

… and Amazon: The PIF company is expanding its partnership with Amazon Web Services to deploy and manage up to 150k AI accelerators in a specialized data center facility called an “AI Zone,” according to a statement. The zone is set to serve both Saudi and global customers with compute capabilities.

Qualcomm and Adobe, too: Qualcomm is planning to open an AI engineering center in Riyadh to support Humain’s rollout of 200 MW in data center capacity,. Meanwhile, Adobe is collaborating with Humain on building Arab world-focused AI models and applications for creative use cases, including advertising, film, education and e-gaming.

K2 advances more pilots for autonomous last-mile delivery in UAE

Abu Dhabi’s tech innovation outfit K2 is advancing multiple pilot programs for autonomous delivery systems, as the emirate advances next-frontier autonomous mobility ventures spanning both the logistics and passenger aspects of mobility.

#1- A pilot for autonomous e-commerce delivery vehicles: The Integrated Transport Center (Abu Dhabi Mobility) has kicked off a pilot project for self-driving e-commerce delivery vehicles in partnership with noon and K2 subsidiary AutoGo, according to Abu Dhabi Media Office. The initiative integrates AutoGo’s autonomous vehicles into noon’s logistics network to supply mini-fulfillment centers across the emirate.

AutoGo plans to expand the pilot to additional neighborhoods and a wider range of products, with full commercial operations expected to follow.

#2- Drone delivery trials with Talabat: DFM-listed Talabat inked an MoU with Abu Dhabi-based autonomous tech firm K2 to test commercial drone deliveries for food and groceries, according to a press release. The pilot will explore a drone-to-station delivery model, aiming to improve efficiency in high-demand areas, reduce carbon emissions, and scale smart last-mile delivery solutions. The two previously inked an agreement to collaborate on the pilot scheme earlier this month.

Not K2’s first: K2, in collaboration with Abu Dhabi Mobility and Emirates Post 7X’s logistics arm EMX, launched Abu Dhabi’s first pilot program for autonomous delivery vehicles back in September.

Other players are also vying for first-mover status: Abu Dhabi-based drone manufacturer Lodd Autonomous is set to launch unmanned aerial vehicle parcel and cargo deliveries by 2H 2026 — with the first test flight scheduled in November. Emirates Post and UAE-based Autologix — a JV between 7X and Zelostech — are also planning to roll out heavy-cargo logistics pilots, but no timeline was disclosed for the launch of tests.

REMEMBER- Abu Dhabi is going big on autonomous logistics: The Abu Dhabi Investment Office inked 29 commercial deployment agreements for autonomous logistics technologies earlier this month, spanning air and ground delivery for e-commerce, as well as healthcare and industrial logistics.

Tim Aerospace launches its MRO hangar in Dubai South’s MRO hub

MRO-

Tim Aerospace opens MRO hangar in MBRAH: Dubai-based aircraft maintenance provider Tim Aerospace has launched an MRO hangar at the Mohammed bin Rashid Aerospace Hub (MBRAH) in Dubai South, according to Dubai Media Office. The hangar is designed to accommodate up to 12 narrow-body or five wide-body jets — excluding the Airbus A380 — and will provide aircraft base maintenance for commercial passenger and cargo aircraft. The move comes as the firm looks to expand its MRO service capabilities in the region.

A long time coming: MBRAH and Tim Aerospace inked the initial agreement back in 2023 and broke ground on the hangar’s construction last year.

STORAGE + WAREHOUSES-

Aramco, JOGMEC renew three-year crude oil storage agreement in Japan: Japan’s Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Saudi Aramco have renewed their crude oil storage, throughput, and tank lease agreement for three years, following a framework agreement with Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), according to a press release. Under the agreement, Aramco will lease 13 national stockpiling tanks at Okinawa CTS, allowing storage of approximately 1.3 mn kiloliters (8.2 mn barrels) of crude oil. In emergencies, Japan will have preferential access to the stock.

IN CONTEXT- The Okinawa base serves as a strategic supply hub for Aramco in Asia, supporting growing regional demand and enabling faster response to customers. This agreement was originally established in 2010 and has been renewed every three years.

STARTUP WATCH-

Riyadh-based building materials marketplace Shatib secured SAR 2.8 mn in a pre-seed round from an undisclosed strategic angel investor, it said on LinkedIn on Tuesday. The funds will be allocated to support the firm’s growth.

About Shatib: Founded in 2024 by Abdulaziz AlMasoud (LinkedIn), Shatib aims to roll out technology solutions that streamline building materials procurement and reduce costs across the broader construction ecosystem, according to Wamda. It also helps real estate developers and contractors secure better pricing by aggregating demand across multiple projects.

PORTS-

Mwani awards Kuwaiti player ports supply tender: Qatar Ports Management Company (Mwani) has awarded Kuwait’s Integrated Logistics Company — a subsidiary of Integrated Holding Company — a contract to supply equipment and manpower at Qatari ports at a value of QAR 46 mn (c. USD 12.5 mn), according to a disclosure (pdf). The ports in question are Doha and Al-Ruwais, with the contract to be implemented in February 2026.

Air France leads race for minority stake in Portugal’s Tap

Air France emerges as first known bidder for Tap Air’s stake: Air France-KLM has become the first known carrier to submit an expression of interest (EOI) to acquire as much as 44.9% of Portugal’s Tap Air, the French carrier’s CEO Ben Smith told Bloomberg.

Rules for prospective suitors: As per mandates by the Portuguese government, prospective bidders must have annual revenues of at least EUR 5 bn in any of the past three years. Air France has agreed to the government’s requirements to keep the carrier’s Lisbon headquarters, expand Tap Air’s network — especially to Portuguese-speaking nations — and preserve the Tap brand, Smith said.

The big three are interested: British Airways owner IAG is also looking to acquire a stake in Tap, aiming to expand its Lisbon hub, Reuters reported earlier this year. Lufthansa CEO Carsten Spohr met with Portuguese officials last year, indicating interest in buying a stake, which could amount to 19.9% of the company, Reuters reported at the time.

BACKGROUND- Dark clouds over Lisbon: Tap’s headquarters was raided by Portuguese authorities amid suspicions related to the government’s sale of a 61% stake in the carrier back in 2015, Bloomberg reported this week. Privatization efforts were later undone by a newly elected Socialist administration.

Dates to remember: The deadline for the first round is 22 November. Qualified bidders will then be invited in January to submit non-binding offers by around 1 April. Binding bids will fall due around three months later.

! Seafarers’ happiness index experiences a dip in 3Q 2025

The seafarer’s overall happiness index fell to 7.05 out of 10 in 3Q 2025, down from 7.54 in 2Q, according to the Mission to Seafarers’ Seafarers Happiness Index (pdf). The decline is attributable to rising operational pressures ashore and afloat — namely, reduced manning and overloaded administrative duties that reduce time for rest and exercise, shorter port stays that limit shore leave, and deteriorating pay grades for effort as costs and demands rise.

There are still persistent challenges weighing down the index: Misstated working hours — which includes the falsification of rest-hour records — are contributing to excess workloads, fatigue, and lengthy contract periods. While there has been a slight uptick in digital connectivity, widespread access to it remains an issue, with varying vessels reporting poor and costly internet connections.

Calendar

NOVEMBER

17-21 November (Monday-Friday): Dubai Airshow, Dubai, UAE.

DECEMBER

6 December (Saturday): International Procurement Supply Chain Conference, Cairo, Egypt.

9-10 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Rail Industry Summit, El Jadida, Morocco.

16-17 December (Tuesday-Wednesday): Saudi Airport Exhibition, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

JANUARY 2026

19-23 January (Monday-Friday): World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Davos, Switzerland.

27-28 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): SkyMove Air Cargo MENA, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

27-28 January (Tuesday-Wednesday): Middle East ProcureTech Summit, Dubai, UAE.

FEBRUARY 2026

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): Breakbulk Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

4-5 February (Wednesday-Thursday): MRO Middle East, Dubai, UAE.

15-17 February (Sunday-Tuesday): World Advanced Manufacturing Logistics Summit and Expo, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

25-27 February (Wednesday-Friday): Air Cargo Africa, Nairobi, Kenya.

MARCH 2026

10-12 March (Tuesday-Thursday): World Cargo Symposium, Lima, Peru.

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