DUBAI – The Dubai Air Show made its grand return on Monday, marking a significant moment for Emirates as the airline announced an order for 65 Boeing 777-9 jets. This move comes as Emirates aims to bolster its fleet, riding high on record earnings and continuous demand at this crucial East-West travel juncture.

The airline did not disclose the financial details of its agreement with Boeing and GE Engines at the time of the announcement.

This year’s air show is set to rekindle enthusiasm for flying taxis—a long-held ambition of the sheikhdom with plans to launch as soon as next year. Additionally, military sales are drawing attention, with Russia participating despite ongoing Western sanctions linked to its prolonged conflict in Ukraine. In contrast, the absence of Israeli companies is notable, a decision driven by the ongoing tensions stemming from the recent Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza.

Dubai’s Emirates, a state-owned airline, reported a remarkable $5.2 billion profit in the previous fiscal year. The passenger traffic at Dubai International Airport, known as the busiest for international travel, continues to break records. At the 2023 air show held at Al Maktoum International Airport, Emirates made a landmark $52 billion purchase from Boeing Co.

FlyDubai, Emirates’ budget-friendly counterpart, is also experiencing unprecedented financial success and is likely exploring fleet expansion with single-aisle aircraft. Currently operating 95 Boeing 737 models, FlyDubai has caught Airbus’s attention, which seeks a foothold in their fleet. At the previous air show, FlyDubai placed a significant $11 billion order for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, marking its first venture into wide-body aircraft.

Al Maktoum airport itself is on the agenda for Dubai’s government. It plans a $35 billion project to expand to five parallel runways and 400 aircraft gates, to be completed within the next decade. The airport now has just two runways, like Dubai International Airport. Those additional slots coming online will help Emirates and FlyDubai grow their network, and require more aircraft to fly those routes.

Meanwhile, Rosoboronexport, Russia’s main arms exporter, plans to display its aircraft and weapons systems at a massive pavilion at the air show. The UAE has maintained economic ties and flights to Moscow despite the war on Ukraine.

Rosoboronexport said in a statement it planned to showcase a full-scale Pantzir-SMD-E surface-to-air missile system as well. Air defense systems have taken on a new importance in the Mideast after Qatar came under attack by both Israel and Iran this year. Iran also saw its systems devastated by Israel in a 12-day war between the countries in June.