Making its debut in a formation flight, the Emirates A350 took centre stage during the dramatic opening flypast of the 2025 Dubai Airshow. Flying alongside the Emirates Boeing 777 and the flagship A380, the airline presented its complete wide-body lineup in the sky for the first time since the A350 joined the fleet in late 2024.
A Showcase of National Aviation Strength
The opening spectacle highlighted the UAE’s aviation prowess with a coordinated display involving 60 aircraft. Emirates headed the commercial section, followed by other national carriers and an array of military jets and helicopters.
The formation itself was designed to showcase each aircraft’s performance capabilities while maintaining a visually striking arrangement. The A380 held the lowest tier at 500 feet, the 777 maintained the middle level at 700 feet, and the A350 completed the vertical stack at 900 feet. This tiered configuration allowed spectators to clearly distinguish each aircraft type and appreciate the precision required to hold such synchronised positions.
As the formation swept across Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), it became one of the defining moments of the 2025 Dubai Airshow. Thousands of visitors, industry representatives, and dignitaries witnessed the flypast, which served as both a celebration of the UAE’s aviation achievements and a preview of the nation’s ambitious future in aerospace innovation.
Emirati Talent Leading the Display
An all-Emirati team managed and piloted the Emirates contribution to the flypast. Captain Mubarak Al Mheiri guided the A380 at the front of the group, with Captain Ali Almarzooqi handling the 777 and Captain Rashed Murshed flying the A350. Supporting the event’s execution, Captain Khalid Akram, Deputy Chief Pilot Boeing, was part of the Flight Control Committee overseeing the commercial portion.
Coordinating a formation of this scale required extensive planning with UAE airlines, the Ministry of Defence, the armed forces, air traffic controllers, and the Dubai Airshow’s Flying Control Committee, in addition to both aviation regulators (DCAA and GCAA). From airspace usage to weather considerations, every factor was analysed to ensure a smooth and unforgettable show.
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