Middle Eastern airlines are gearing up for a major aircraft buying spree in 2025, signaling a robust recovery and ambitious expansion plans across the region. After largely stepping back from last year’s flurry of orders, carriers such as Flydubai, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Gulf Air are now preparing to replenish and expand their fleets with hundreds of new aircraft. This resurgence is set to solidify the Middle East’s position as a key growth driver for major manufacturers like Boeing and Airbus, who are poised to benefit from the region’s increasing demand for both narrowbody and widebody jets.
.gif)
The buying spree, reported in recent industry analyses, reflects the region’s strong financial performance and rising passenger demand, particularly for premium long-haul travel. Flydubai, based in Dubai, is in negotiations to acquire at least 200 narrowbody jets, along with 100 options for future purchases, focusing on enhancing its short- and medium-haul capabilities. Neighboring Etihad Airways is also in discussions to add up to 40 widebody aircraft to its fleet, aiming to bolster its long-haul network and compete with regional giants. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways is reportedly close to finalizing an order for approximately 230 twin-aisle aircraft, which would significantly expand its capacity to serve international routes from its Doha hub. Gulf Air, the national carrier of Bahrain, is considering purchasing around a dozen widebody jets to support its growth strategy and improve profitability under new management.
This wave of orders is part of a broader trend in the Middle East, where airlines are capitalizing on robust regional economies and a resurgence in tourism and business travel. Newcomer Riyadh Air, backed by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, is also joining the fray, with plans to firm up options for 33 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and potentially acquire up to 50 additional widebody aircraft, such as the Airbus A350-1000 or Boeing 777X. The carrier, set to launch operations later in 2025, is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to transform the kingdom into a global tourism and service hub, driving demand for air connectivity.
The region’s growth is further fueled by challenges faced by aircraft manufacturers, including supply chain constraints and engine maintenance issues, which have delayed deliveries and created a scramble for available slots stretching into the next decade. Despite these hurdles, the Middle East’s airlines are prioritizing fleet modernization to meet near-record demand for new jets. Narrowbody aircraft, ideal for regional routes, and widebody jets, suited for long-haul travel, are both in high demand, with orders reflecting a strategic shift toward a more balanced fleet composition. This buying spree also underscores the region’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and its position as one of the fastest-growing aviation markets globally. Passenger traffic is projected to grow steadily, supported by investments in infrastructure, such as airport expansions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh, and a focus on attracting international tourists. While some carriers like Emirates have not yet disclosed specific plans, the overall momentum suggests a transformative period for Middle East aviation, with Boeing and Airbus at the center of a multi-billion-dollar opportunity to supply the region’s ambitious carriers. As negotiations continue and orders are finalized, 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for the region’s airlines and their global partners.