Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft will feature in the flying display at the Dubai Airshow for the first time in the event’s 34-year history. Organisers confirmed the 2025 edition, scheduled for 17–21 November at Dubai World Central, will include live eVTOL demonstrations, marking a significant milestone for the aviation industry.
A Focus on Advanced Air Mobility
The inclusion of eVTOLs is part of a wider focus on Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), highlighting the industry’s push to bring electric and hybrid aircraft closer to commercial operation. The show, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will emphasise the regulatory, certification, and infrastructural advances required for next-generation air transport. These developments in aviation technology are part of a broader push for innovation, just as Dubai Holding and Palantir create Aither to scale AI across the UAE economy.
Record-Breaking Scale and Scope
The upcoming airshow is set to be the largest in its history, with more than 200 aircraft participating in both static and flying displays. The event is expected to attract over 1,500 exhibitors, 490 official delegations, and representatives from nearly 100 countries. The extensive lineup will span commercial jets, military transporters, private business aircraft, drones, and other emerging aviation technologies.
Notable Aircraft on Display
Several aircraft are scheduled to make their Middle Eastern debut at the event. China’s COMAC will display its C919 and C929 aircraft, while Brazil’s Embraer is set to showcase its KC-390 Millennium military transport plane. Major international manufacturers will also have a strong presence, with the Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9 featuring prominently in the aircraft lineup.
By introducing eVTOLs to the flying programme, the 2025 Dubai Airshow is signalling that urban air mobility is becoming a tangible part of the global aviation landscape. Industry analysts view the move as a critical step toward achieving mainstream visibility for electric aircraft technologies, which have the potential to reshape regional and intra-city transport in the coming decade.
