The third day of the 55th International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport buzzed with activity, as aerospace giants and emerging innovators showcased their latest advancements, secured significant airline orders, and captivated attendees with thrilling aerial displays against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions and recent industry challenges.
The skies over Le Bourget roared to life with 210 scheduled flying displays, including Airbus’s A350 and A400M, alongside Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium, which appeared in both static and aerial exhibitions. Historic aircraft, such as the Bréguet Br.1050 Alizé and Grumman Bearcat, delighted aviation enthusiasts, while modern marvels like BETA Technologies’ ALIA CX300, an all-electric aircraft, performed a demonstration flight as part of its European tour.
On the ground, Airbus’s Experience Area and Paris Air Lab showcased interactive exhibits, including the futuristic Racer helicopter and advancements in urban air mobility.
Day three saw a flurry of aircraft orders, with Airbus dominating the commercial aviation conversation.
- Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh Air, an emerging regional player, placed a firm order for an undisclosed number of Airbus A350 aircraft, estimated to be worth around $3.5bn, aligning with the kingdom’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
- Egyptair bolstered its long-haul fleet with a firm order for six additional Airbus A350-900s, bringing its total to 16, as it aims to meet rising passenger demand.
- Türkiye-based MNG Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for two Airbus A350F freighters, marking its entry into the next-generation cargo market.
- Embraer also had a standout day, with South African carrier Airlink finalizing a lease deal for 10 E195-E2 regional jets from Azorra, with deliveries expected between late 2025 and 2027.
- US-based JSX, known for its boutique “hop-on jet service,” signed a Letter of Intent for 15 ATR 42-600 aircraft configured with premium 30-seat layouts, a slice of luxury in regional travel.
- Despite the somber mood, Boeing showcased a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-300ER in a special Champions League livery. The absence of Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, who canceled his attendance following the tragic crash of a Boeing 787 Dreamliner in India on June 12, loomed over the show. In a statement to employees, Ortberg said Boeing was supporting the investigation and customers. Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie Pope also stayed away.
- Airbus, leveraging its home advantage, issued a press release detailing its sustainability efforts, including a “Book and Claim” operation to use Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) for employee travel to the show. The company also highlighted its Global Market Forecast, predicting a need for 43,420 new aircraft over the next two decades, with 34,250 being single-aisle jets.
- A diplomatic controversy rumbed on after show organisers shut down four Israeli company stands due to France’s decision to restrict displays of certain weapons, though the Israeli Defence Ministry stand remained open under protection. Israel Aerospace Industries canceled a scheduled press briefing, citing ongoing evaluations amid regional tensions.
- Dublin based Avolon announced it will lease ten Airbus A321neo aircraft to AJet, agreed at the show for delivery in 2027.
- General Atomics unveiled a full-scale mock-up of its YFQ-42A collaborative combat aircraft (CCA), signaling progress in autonomous military technology.
- Toulouse-based Aura Aero provided updates on its 19-seat Era hybrid-electric regional airliner, boasting over 650 orders worth $10bn.
- Sustainability remained a key theme, with Elixir Aircraft announcing an MoU with TotalEnergies to supply SAF for its flight trials, aiming for a 100% SAF-powered flight by year-end.
- ZeroAvia revealed plans to collaborate with Scottish airline Loganair to explore hydrogen-electric engines for regional aircraft like the ATR family.
- Capgemini’s chalet hosted panels on quantum computing for corrosion modeling and digital transformation in aerospace manufacturing, reflecting the industry’s push toward cutting-edge technologies.
As the Paris Air Show progresses toward its public days (June 20–22), the industry’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and resilience remains an important public message in the industry statements. With over 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries and 300,000 expected visitors, the event continues to solidify its position as the world’s premier aerospace gathering. Day three’s developments, from blockbuster orders to groundbreaking exhibits, set the stage for an exciting finale to this landmark event
