China-made C919 spotlighted in Dubai Airshow 2025, making debut in Mideast

China's homegrown C919 aircraft made its debut in the Middle East at the Dubai Airshow 2025.

The five-day event kicked off on Monday at Dubai World Central and is one of the most significant aerospace exhibitions worldwide, where a dazzling display of cutting-edge aviation technology and equipment is being showcased. Under the theme "The Future Is Here," it set a new record for scale this year, attracting more than 1,500 aerospace and defense companies from 47 countries and regions, and an expected 148,000 visitors.

For the first time, two of China's C919 jetliners are being displayed at the airshow, along with a C909 aircraft.

One C919 on display, a 164-seat, three-class configuration model from China Southern Airlines featuring a unique "oriental elegance" interior design crafted to enhance comfort. On the opening day, attendees waited in long lines to board the aircraft, explore its cabin and interact with the flight crew in the cockpit.

Produced by Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, the C919 is a trunk jetliner independently developed by China in accordance with international airworthiness standards and with independent intellectual property rights.

So far, a total of 26 C919 jetliners have been delivered, operating on over 30 flight routes, and completing more than 2 million passenger journeys since entering commercial operation.

In addition to the C919, a wide array of China's aviation products for civilian and military purposes is also presented at the airshow. A 1:1 scale model of the Wing Loong-X drone is being exhibited overseas for the first time, capturing attention to its long-range, heavy-load capabilities. Others include the J-10CE fighter jet, the J-35A stealth fighter and the Y-20 large transport aircraft.

In the engine sector, the Aero Engine Corporation of China is also participating for the first time, showcasing several key products such as the Taihang engine, the AES100 and gas turbines, underscoring the company's vision of actively integrating into the global aviation industry chain and continuously expanding high-level opening-up.

A glimpse into the future of aerospace

The airshow is also spotlighting future developments in aviation, one of which is the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft.

Dubbed "flying taxis," these all-electric vehicles are designed to take off and land vertically without the need for traditional runways, which could revolutionize urban air mobility.

The event has set dedicated exhibitions and high-level discussions around the technology, focusing on topics such as regulatory policies, infrastructure construction and the future development of urban air transportation.

Sustainability is another core theme, with many exhibitors showcasing environmentally friendly innovations, such as sustainable aviation fuels and electric ground support equipment.

The event itself has also embraced green practices, utilizing 100 percent renewable electricity and promoting reusable exhibition designs.