The Air Show The essential Dubai Airshow recap
Dec 6, 2025
Jon Ostrower shares exciting highlights from the Dubai Airshow, showcasing its emergence as a global aviation hub. Emirates has made a significant 65-plane order for 777-9s, sparking discussions about delivery timelines and new aircraft feasibility. Flydubai's strategic shift to A321neos marks a notable fleet evolution. Additionally, insights into the COMAC C919 reveal impressive quality improvements in Chinese aircraft manufacturing, raising questions about production capacity. Listener feedback adds an engaging twist, covering topics like Delta's tech shortcomings.
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Episode notes
The Industry's Fragile IT Backbone
- Airline IT remains a fragile industry weakness held together by quick fixes and hopeful funding.
- Jon noted operational data disjointedness undermines customer notifications and digital experience parity between carriers.
Emirates' Big 777X Gamble
- Emirates ordered 65 more 777-9s, bringing its total to 270 while awaiting first delivery now aimed for Q2 2027.
- Jon described Emirates leveraging that order to fund a Boeing feasibility study for a stretched 777X to replace A380s around 2040.
Dubai's Ambitious Aviation Hub
- Dubai World Central is being built as a massive aviation hub with a planned 250 million annual passenger capacity.
- Jon contrasted Dubai's energy with Farnborough's slow decline to show the city's unidirectional growth in aviation influence.
