Dubai Airports, in collaboration with dnata, flydubai, and more than 30 industry partners, is set to debut the aviation world’s first Sustainability Showcase at Dubai Airshow 2025. The initiative highlights how innovation, collaboration, and advanced technology can transform aircraft operations to be faster, safer, and environmentally sustainable.
A landmark event in aviation and sustainability
The Dubai Airshow 2025, running from 17–21 November at Dubai World Central (DWC), returns under the theme “The Future is Here.” This year’s edition is positioned as bigger and more innovative than ever, showcasing the UAE’s leadership in aviation, space, defence, and sustainability.The Sustainability Showcase, a first-of-its-kind initiative, brings together some of the industry’s most influential players to demonstrate practical progress in reducing aviation’s environmental impact. Through this platform, Dubai Airports, dnata, and flydubai aim to illustrate how a fully sustainable aircraft turnaround can be achieved. The showcase represents a defining moment in aviation sustainability, demonstrating the potential of collaborative innovation to tackle pressing climate challenges.
Pioneering sustainable Aircraft turnarounds
Nearly 30 partners, including Airbus, Bee’ah, Cobus, dnata, ENOC, Etihad ESCO, flydubai, Katmerciler, and Rosenbauer—have joined forces to reimagine aircraft turnaround from the ground up. The project focuses on:
- Data-driven management for operational efficiency
- Smarter energy use to reduce emissions
- Advanced ground-support equipment for faster and safer operations
The showcase will be structured into two main zones:
- Welcome Area: Highlighting Decarbonising Airports and The Future of Flight
- Static Display: Centered around an operational flydubai aircraft, focusing on six sustainability themes:
- Sustainable Turnaround
- Electric Vehicles
- Hydrogen Vehicles
- Biofuels
- Energy Management
- Circularity
Visitors can expect to see more than 40 pieces of innovative ground equipment and technology, including:
- Solar panel systems
- Cooling and air quality solutions
- Electric baggage tractors
- Hydrogen-powered buses and refuelling dispensers
- Solar-powered waste bins and green recycling solutions
Many of these solutions are locally sourced, reinforcing Dubai Airports’ role as a connector and accelerator of sustainable aviation.
Emirates GameBird GB1 aerobatic aircraft ready for precision flying/Image: X
Driving a broader sustainability strategy
The Sustainability Showcase aligns with Dubai Airports’ larger strategy to minimize the carbon footprint of airport operations. Key initiatives include:
- Energy-efficient airport buildings
- Low-emission airside vehicles
- Eco-friendly utilities
Through collaborations with innovators such as Airbus, flydubai, Lootah Biofuels, and Elysian Aircraft, Dubai Airports continues to explore technologies and policies that reduce carbon emissions while improving operational efficiency.With global air traffic expected to double by 2045, the aviation sector faces a major challenge: to operate smarter, cleaner, and more sustainably. The Sustainability Showcase represents a significant step toward meeting that challenge, showing how coordinated industry action can drive measurable environmental impact.
Future of aviation: innovative electric aircraft showcased at Dubai Airshow/Image: Dubai Airshow website
Dubai Airshow 2025 – The global stage
Dubai Airshow 2025 is set to host over 1,500 exhibitors from 47 countries and display more than 200 aircraft, making it the largest edition in the event’s history. For the first time, eVTOLs will join the flying display, highlighting the future of urban and regional flight.In addition to the aircraft displays, the Airshow will feature an expanded content programme with 12 future-focused conference tracks, including seven new themes addressing pressing industry challenges. The Airport and Airline Keynotes track, hosted by Dubai Airports, will provide insight into sustainable aviation operations and strategic innovation.
About the Author
