Developed by Dubai Airports, dnata, flydubai and over 30 industry collaborators, the showcase highlights how collective action can accelerate the aviation sector’s transition to net zero.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “Dubai Airshow has long been a global stage for innovation, and this year’s theme, ‘The Future is Here’, perfectly captures the spirit of what we’re unveiling. The world’s first Sustainable Turnaround Showcase is a real-world example of progress in action and symbolises what can be achieved when we align ambition with collaboration. Sustainability is not an individual pursuit – it is a shared responsibility that demands partnership and leadership across the aviation industry. Through this showcase, we’re showing the world that Dubai is not only ready for the future – we’re helping shape it.”

Steve Allen, CEO of dnata, said: “Dubai stands out as one of the world’s most forward-looking aviation markets, and the Airshow is the perfect stage to showcase where the industry is heading. We’re proud to present the latest generation of our advanced ground support equipment fleet in a unique display – tangible proof of how innovation and sustainability advance together, driving improvements in both operational efficiency and environmental performance. Our approach is clear: ‘green first.’ We prioritise zero- and low-emission technologies wherever infrastructure allows, complemented by alternative solutions such as biofuels to maximise impact. Progress at this scale depends on strong collaboration, and our partnership with Dubai Airports and flydubai – here and every day – is an excellent example of how working together can shape a more sustainable future for aviation.”

Ghaith Al Ghaith, CEO of flydubai, said: “Dubai is no stranger to innovation, and it is always at the forefront when it comes to meaningful progress. We recognise that a sustainable future is a shared goal, one that requires collaboration, innovation and collective action across our industry. As part of the oneDXB alliance, our participation in the Sustainability Showcase at the Dubai Airshow reflects our commitment to building a more responsible and efficient future for aviation. Together with our partners and stakeholders, we are focused on exploring how investing in technology and enhancing our operational efficiencies can support our shared vision of a greener tomorrow.”

Those attending Dubai Airshow can also explore the Sustainability Showcase firsthand, with guided tours hosted by Dubai Airports daily from 10 AM to 1 PM between 17–21 November 2025. Taking place at the Dubai Airshow Site (DWC), S05 in the Static Park, the tours are open to all Airshow attendees and require no pre-booking.

Reflecting the UAE’s continued leadership in sustainability and aviation excellence, the Airshow provides the ideal setting to launch this first-of-its-kind initiative – bringing together the industry’s most influential players to demonstrate practical progress and inspire collective action. As main showcase partners, dnata, Dubai Airports and flydubai will use this world stage to unveil its pioneering demonstration of how a fully sustainable aircraft turnaround can be achieved through cutting-edge technology, collaboration, and a shared commitment to climate action.  

The inaugural showcase marks a defining moment in aviation sustainability, highlighting what’s possible when the industry works together to tackle its greatest challenges. Nearly 30 partners – including Airbus, Bee’ah, Cobus, dnata, ENOC, Etihad ESCO, flydubai, Katmerciler and Rosenbauer – have joined forces to reimagine the turnaround process from the ground up, demonstrating how data-driven management, smarter energy use, and advanced ground-support equipment can make aircraft turnaround faster, safer, and cleaner than ever before.

The showcase will feature two zones: a welcome area focused on Decarbonising Airports and The Future of Flight, and a static display – centred around an operational flydubai aircraft – highlighting six key themes of Sustainable Turnaround, Electric Vehicles, Hydrogen Vehicles, Biofuels, Energy Management, and Circularity. Together, they will present more than 40 pieces of sustainable ground equipment and innovative technologies. Among these are solar panel systems, cooling and air quality solutions, electric baggage tractors, hydrogen-powered buses and refuelling dispensers, solar-powered waste bins, green recycling solutions, and more – many of which are locally available, reinforcing Dubai Airports’ role as a connector and accelerator of aviation’s transition to a sustainable future.

The initiative forms part of Dubai Airports’ broader sustainability strategy, focused on reducing the carbon footprint of airport facilities through energy-efficient buildings, low-emission airside vehicles, and eco-friendly utilities. Through partnerships with innovators such as Airbus, flydubai, Lootah Biofuels, and Elysian Aircraft, Dubai Airports continues to embrace technologies and policies designed to cut carbon emissions.

With global air traffic set to double by 2045, the aviation industry faces a defining challenge – to operate cleaner, smarter, and more sustainably. The Sustainability Showcase marks a pivotal step in this journey.

As one of the most anticipated aviation events on the global calendar, Dubai Airshow 2025 will welcome more than 1,500 exhibitors from 47 countries and feature over 200 aircraft across the static and flying displays – the largest in the event’s history. With eVTOLs joining the flying display for the first time, the skies above DWC will truly showcase the future in flight. Visitors can also look forward to an expanded content programme with 12 future-focused conference tracks, including seven new themes addressing the industry’s most pressing challenges and opportunities. Among these will be the Airport and Airline Keynotes track, hosted by Dubai Airports.

Taking place on 20 November and aligned with DAS’ ‘The Future Is Here’ theme, the Dubai Airshow Gala Dinner will feature headline performances from award-winning artists Teddy Swims and Mark Ronson, during an evening that celebrates the people, ideas, and partnerships shaping the next era of aviation.  Multi-platinum powerhouse, Teddy Swims, will headline the evening with his genre-blurring sound of soul, country, and pop. Mark Ronson, nine-time Grammy Award-winning DJ and producer will close out the night with an unforgettable afterparty DJ set.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, said: “The Dubai Airshow is where the aviation and aerospace world doesn't just gather, it lifts off. It’s a convergence of ambition, imagination, and progress, where the future of flight is shaped through conversation and collaboration.

In that spirit, the Airshow Gala Dinner has become more than an unmissable social fixture. It’s a celebration of the human dimension behind aviation's momentum - of the people, ideas, and partnerships that give meaning to everything we build. Over the years, the stage has welcomed legends and icons Maroon 5, The Script, OneRepublic, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez. Each performance has added something unforgettable to an evening that reflects both the scale of our industry and the soul behind it.

This year’s edition will be our most ambitious yet, a tribute to the energy that moves us forward, and to aviation’s enduring role in connecting the world not just physically, but creatively, culturally, and collectively.”

From start-to-finish, guests will be immersed in a carefully curated experience at Atlantis the Palm, where the red carpet will transform into a dynamic space featuring interactive activations designed to deliver a series of striking, memorable moments before being officially welcomed to the event by HH Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports. Guests will then enjoy a world-class dining experience, surrounded by cutting-edge displays and multisensory installations that bring the evening’s theme to life.

Global record-breaking recording artist Teddy Swims will take to the stage to perform hit songs including ‘Lose Control’ and ‘The Door’ against the backdrop of Dubai’s iconic Palm Jumeirah. Acclaimed DJ and producer Mark Ronson, known for his collaborations with Amy Winehouse, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga, will headline the exclusive after-party that brings the celebration of aviation to a close.

Widely regarded as the standout social occasion of the Dubai Airshow and a fixture on the global aviation calendar, the event reflects Dubai’s role in shaping and celebrating the future of global aviation.

To mark the immense progress made across the industry, the universally renowned chart-topping band, who achieved more than 96 million in album sales, more than 658 million singles worldwide and earned gold and platinum certifications in more than 35 countries, will play an exclusive set at the bi-annual invitation-only dinner, scheduled for Thursday, November 16.

As one of the most sought-after invitations of the year, the hallmark event in the aviation community’s social calendar promises an evening of elite entertainment. Dubai Airports will gather its strategic partners and industry colleagues – representatives of key players in the aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors – from around the world to celebrate its successes, proving that collaboration is key for innovation and excellence.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports commented: "This is the perfect opportunity to come together and recognise our accomplishments, and for us to show our gratitude to our industry peers for their continued support and help in achieving our goals. Maroon 5’s remarkable talent and international appeal aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing world-class experiences, and as we gather to celebrate the Airshow, an event that holds a pivotal role in shaping the future of the aviation industry, we are confident that their performance will make this year’s exclusive gala dinner unforgettable."

Having achieved worldwide acclaim with hits like "Sugar", "Moves Like Jagger", "Girls Like You", and "This Love”, Maroon 5 is one of the 21st century’s biggest acts, having had 32 records on the Billboard Hot 100 since their first release in 2002, as well as the most Top 10s in this century by a duo or group, the most #1s on Hot 100 this century by a duo or group and the most #1s by a duo or group in the history of the Top 40 chart.

Expected to win guests over with their hybrid rock / R&B sound, Maroon 5 is the latest to join the list of magnificent performers who have wowed aviation VIPs at the exclusive event. Previous guests include Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, The Script, Stevie Wonder, Tom Jones and many more.