Deals like these are not new. Saudi Arabia has placed sizeable orders over the last two years alongside other GCC nations, all of which are increasingly asserting themselves as major players in the global aviation sector.
In addition to these high-profile aircraft orders, we are also seeing major airport infrastructure investments and an uptick in other connected industries. Things are moving quickly, and the question now being asked is whether the GCC might soon dominate global aircraft sales. The idea is not as far-fetched as it might once have seemed. Led by the UAE and Saudi Arabia, GCC countries have managed to transition from being merely customers in the aviation supply chain to becoming strategic stakeholders.
So, let’s look at how the region is starting to make its mark on global aviation and see what’s going on behind those headline-grabbing big purchases.
Giant GCC orders for new aircraft
The clearest indicator of the GCC’s growing influence is the record-breaking orders from Boeing and Airbus. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Air Arabia and others are all set to see substantial fleet expansion. According to a report by OAG, the ten largest airlines in the region have collectively ordered 795 aircraft for delivery by the end of 2029. This growth is driven by national development strategies and visions which aim to further diversify previously oil-dependent economies.
It’s important to note is that this growth is not only about replenishing fleets – it’s about the Gulf positioning itself at the centre of global aviation.
More than just buying planes
GCC states are doing more than adding to their fleets. The region is investing in building a sophisticated aerospace ecosystem with a new focus on research, manufacturing, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) capabilities.
This is part of the wider plan of moving away from being just customers for aircraft and becoming part of the global aviation value chain. This kind of expansion is driven by the growing volume of aircraft, supportive governmental policies, and a focused effort to boost domestic technical capabilities and infrastructure. The fact that the GCC’s MRO market is expected to grow from USD 3.72bn in 2025 to reach USD 7.31bn by 2030 attests to this.
Meanwhile, Gulf carriers have become increasingly influential in shaping the design and conception of the next generation of aircraft. In that sense, they have graduated from being customers to something quite different: the highly-customised and often luxury-focused specifications of GCC orders have meant the carriers can now be involved more closely in the design stage. Because of this, manufacturers are increasingly working with Gulf airlines at an earlier stage of aircraft development. This trend highlights that GCC carriers are now not merely reacting to global trends in aviation – they are shaping them.
Building out airline infrastructure
Two of the world’s most ambitious airport developments are underway in the GCC and are set to redefine global air travel capacity and infrastructure. In Dubai, construction has begun on what will become the world’s largest airport terminal at Al Maktoum International Airport. With an estimated cost of USD 35bn, the project will feature 400 gates and five parallel runways, enabling the airport to handle 260 million passengers annually.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is making bold moves with the development of King Salman International Airport in Riyadh. At USD 50bn, this hub is designed to accommodate up to 185 million passengers annually by 2050, with an interim target of 120 million by 2030. KSA wants the facility to ultimately become the world’s largest airport in terms of passenger capacity.
Together, these two projects account for nearly 80% of all airport development spending across the MENA region. They signal the region’s long-term commitment to aviation and intent to become a dominant global hub for air travel on par with London, New York, or Singapore.
This vision even extends to private and corporate aviation. Dubai and Riyadh are positioning themselves as luxury aircraft hubs, catering to rising demand from HNWIs. Some of the major names you would expect – Gulfstream, Dassault, Bombardier – report strong order levels from the region, with many customers favouring high-spec models for business/VIP use.
Geopolitical and economic winds
The GCC’s economic resilience is a crucial factor underpinning its aviation ambition. Oil revenue and the subsequent strategic moves made by sovereign wealth funds have allowed countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar to invest aggressively without immediate financial constraints.
Additionally, the region’s geography gives it a unique advantage. Strategically positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa, GCC airports are a connection gateway for thousands of international flights. This geographic leverage has long been a strength of the Gulf’s aviation strategy, but with growing global demand for connectivity, its importance is only set to increase.
Finally, the GCC boasts a high degree of political stability relative to other parts of the MENA region, making it a preferred base for global aviation companies seeking access to emerging markets.
Could aircraft manufacturing be next?
For the GCC to truly dominate global aircraft sales, the next step would be to become an aircraft manufacturing hub. While that remains a longer-term prospect, early moves are underway. This could take the form of joint ventures or even local assembly lines.
In addition, we are starting to see investments being made into aerospace startups and defence aviation technologies. These could also contribute to the foundation of a regional aircraft production ecosystem over time.
Of course there are challenges that could slow the GCC’s rise. Chief among these is the need for human capital. While money and infrastructure are not an issue, there is a shortage of local aerospace engineers, pilots and technicians. Several governments have launched scholarship programmes and aviation academies to address this skills gap, but cultivating a domestic workforce to support an aviation ecosystem of this scale will take time.
A strategic shift in global aviation
Time will tell whether the GCC comes to dominate global aircraft sales, and there is certainly plenty of competition. But things do seem to be trending in that direction. If we’re talking about influencing aircraft design, production schedules, and sales trends, the Gulf is already well on its way. However, if we’re thinking in terms of producing the next generation of aircraft and exporting them worldwide, that may still be many years away.
But the trajectory is clear. Through strategic vision, deep pockets and geopolitical acumen, the GCC has transitioned from an outside player to a central force in global aviation.
