Dubai Airports launches first global Sustainability Showcase as aviation pivots to a cleaner future

Dubai: Dubai Airports will unveil the world’s first Sustainability Showcase at Dubai Airshow 2025, bringing together more than 30 industry players to demonstrate how airports and airlines can move toward cleaner operations. The initiative, created in partnership with dnata and flydubai, will be a central feature of this year’s Airshow, which returns next week under the theme “The Future is Here.”

The showcase marks a significant moment for the industry as it works to balance rapid traffic growth with decarbonisation goals. Senior officials say the project illustrates what is possible when airports, airlines, manufacturers and energy partners approach sustainability with a shared agenda.

Dubai Airports, dnata and flydubai will jointly present a full demonstration of a sustainable aircraft turnaround, designed to show how technology, data and cleaner energy sources can transform ground operations.

The effort brings together nearly 30 partners, among them Airbus, Bee’ah, Cobus, ENOC, Etihad ESCO, Katmerciler and Rosenbauer. Their technologies will be used to reimagine the turnaround process, focusing on faster and cleaner operations through smarter energy use and advanced ground-support equipment.

The Sustainability Showcase will feature two zones. The welcome area will highlight decarbonising airports and the future of flight, while the static zone will centre on a working flydubai aircraft and six themes: sustainable turnaround, electric vehicles, hydrogen vehicles, biofuels, energy management and circularity.

More than 40 pieces of ground equipment and technologies will be displayed, including solar panel systems, hydrogen-powered transport, electric baggage tractors, solar waste bins and advanced cooling and air quality solutions. Many of the products are already available locally, reinforcing Dubai Airports’ role in accelerating the sector’s shift toward sustainable operations.

Dubai Airports says the showcase is aligned with its long-term sustainability strategy, which prioritises energy-efficient buildings, cleaner airside fleets and eco-friendly utility systems. The operator is working with Airbus, flydubai, Lootah Biofuels and Elysian Aircraft on projects designed to cut emissions and support future fleets that rely on greener fuels and smart technologies.

The initiative comes at a time when global passenger traffic is forecast to double by 2045. Industry players say the challenge ahead is not simply growth, but growth supported by cleaner infrastructure and more efficient operations.

Dubai Airshow 2025 is set to welcome more than 1,500 exhibitors from 47 countries and host over 200 aircraft across its static and flying displays, the largest in the event’s history. eVTOL aircraft will appear in the flying display for the first time.

Visitors can expect an expanded conference programme featuring 12 tracks, including Airport and Airline Keynotes hosted by Dubai Airports.

The Sustainability Showcase is expected to draw significant attention as the industry navigates its next phase of transformation.