Airbus and Boeing both locked in more orders from Emirati carriers on the third day of Dubai Airshow, while Tawazun Council and defense firm Edge continue their localization push with JVs with global manufacturers to produce defense systems and more in the UAE.

AIRCRAFT ORDERS-

#1- Emirates has locked in an order for eight additional Airbus A350-9 jets for USD 3.4 bn, according to a statement. The jets 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, while its total orderbook now stands at 375 widebody jets — adding to the airline’s 269 planes in operation.

This is Emirates’ second aircraft order during the Airshow, though it’s much smaller than its previous order with Boeing. Dubai’s flag carrier placed a USD 38 bn order for 65 Boeing 777-9 jets earlier this week, with the jets set for delivery starting 2Q 2027.

REMEMBER- Emirates President Tim Clark has been vocal with his criticism of Airbus’ Rolls Royce engines, calling them “defective.” The aircraft manufacturer has reportedly invested big in improving the durability of the engines.

#2- Boeing snaps up remaining flydubai order: Dubai-based airline flydubai placed an order with US manufacturer Boeing for 75 737 Max jets — with an option to add another 75 planes, according to a statement. The value of the order was not disclosed, though it raises flydubai’s orderbook at this year’s Dubai Airshow to 300 aircraft. The airline already operates some 96 Boeing 737 aircraft.

ICYMI- Flydubai tapped Boeing’s rival Airbus for a massive order of 150 A321 aircraft earlier this week, marking the budget airline’s first Airbus purchase. The transaction is valued at USD 24 bn, sources told Reuters.

Airbus bagged the big slice: The European manufacturer [Airbus] snagged the bulk of the 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.

Speaking of Airbus: 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 maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) hub in the UAE, state news agency Wam reports.

DEFENSE-

Tawazun, MBDA roll out new localization projects: UAE defense authority Tawazun Council and European missile maker MBDA will establish MBDA UAE, a fully owned entity focused on local R&D, production, and technical support, according to a statement. The two sides also agreed to co-develop an AI-enabled system for loitering munitions with Fly-R, a drone manufacturing start-up.

New manufacturing push: MBDA will build an Emirati thermal batteries plant at Tawazun Industrial Park as part of the Council’s Project Bank portfolio. The facility — set to be a new branch of global battery manufacturer ASB Group — will produce thermal batteries used in missile systems to boost local defense manufacturing capacity.

Tawazun Council also signed a framework agreement with Edge Group’s engineering arm EPI and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems to manufacture and repair electronic brake control units (eBCUs) in the UAE, Wam reports. The agreement — enabled through the Tawazun Economic Program — will localize eBCUs that replace hydraulic braking systems in civilian and defense aircraft.

Tawazun has now inked agreements worth AED 18 bn at the Airshow, state news agency Wam reports, spanning aircraft-maintenance contracts, Black Hawk upgrade work, and multiple technical-support agreements.

Meanwhile, Edge and Italian defense firm Leonardo are launching a JV in Abu Dhabi next year with plans to potentially develop, design, and produce defense systems, according to a statement. The portfolio could include sensors, integration systems, and platforms, and will be marketed both to UAE and international clients. Edge will own 51% of the JV, while Leonardo will own 49%.

ALSO- Edge’s Brazilian subsidiary secures military contract: Edge Group’s Brazilian subsidiary Siatt secured a contract to build an anti-tank solution for the Brazilian Marine Corps, according to Wam. The tech will be used on 4×4 vehicles in mission-critical environments and will be fitted with antimissile systems. It will also be integrated with drone technology allowing for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and ground attacks. Siatt will conduct operational testing on the systems and plans to roll out the first ones next year, looking to double production thereafter.

ICYMI- Siatt, which Edge acquired a 50% stake in in 2023, also recently opened a new 6k sqm headquarters and production facility in São José dos Campo, and partnered with Brazil’s navy on anti-ship missiles at the start of the year.

The company is also eyeing US arms co-production, Anduril investment: Emirati defense conglomerate Edge is seeking co-production agreements with US weapons makers and plans to begin manufacturing in the US, CEO Hamad Al Marar told Reuters on the sidelines of Dubai Airshow. The push follows Edge’s new partnership with US drone firm Anduril to jointly build an unmanned aircraft in the UAE — a move Al Marar described as the first step toward deeper industrial ties with Washington. The firm is also mulling an equity investment in the drone manufacturer.

MANUFACTURING-

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.

Janahi added that 2025 has been an exceptional year for new agreements, with AED 5 bn in fresh contracts, pushing the group’s total backlog to AED 38 bn.

SUSTAINABLE AVIATION FUELS-

Emirates + Enoc partner up on SAF: Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc) inked an MoU with Emirates to explore and establish joint ventures for the supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to the UAE — 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 another MoU with Mercantile & Maritime Group’s subsidiary MENA Biofuels to collaborate on the offtake, supply, and distribution of SAF on day two of the conference.

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