The 55th Paris Air Show, held from 16 to 22 June 2025 at Le Bourget Airport, concluded with a flurry of significant commercial announcements, aerial displays, and a reflective atmosphere overshadowed by the recent Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash.
Despite a quieter presence from Boeing, Airbus seized the spotlight, securing major orders from airlines and lessors, while defence and sustainability themes took centre stage amid ongoing global tensions. The event, the world’s largest aerospace exhibition, accommodated 300,000 visitors, showcased 150 aircraft, and featured more than 210 flight demonstrations.
Airbus emerged as the undisputed leader in commercial aviation announcements, clinching deals worth approximately £16 billion ($20.9 billion). The European manufacturer capitalised on Boeing’s low profile, announcing a string of firm orders and memoranda of understanding (MoUs). Key highlights included:
- VietJet Air: The Vietnamese low-cost carrier signed an MoU for 100 Airbus A321neo aircraft, with options for 50 more, valued at £7.2 billion ($9.4 billion), bolstering its fleet for regional expansion.
- Avolon: The Dublin based lessor agreed to lease 10 Airbus A321neos to AJet, the low-cost carrier subsidiary of Turkish Airlines, the national flag carrier airline of Türkiye.
- AviLease: The Saudi Arabian lessor placed a firm order for 10 A350F freighters and 30 A320neo family aircraft, with plans to expand to 22 freighters and 55 single-aisle jets, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s ambition to become a global aviation hub.
- Riyadh Air: The new Saudi carrier confirmed a firm order for 25 Airbus A350-1000s, with options for 25 more, marking its first operation of the widebody type. The deal includes Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines and TotalCare maintenance services.
- LOT Polish Airlines: In a strategic shift from Embraer, LOT ordered 40 Airbus A220s (20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s), with options for 44 more, to modernise its fleet.
- STARLUX Airlines: The Taiwanese carrier expanded its long-haul fleet with a firm order for 10 additional A350-1000s, bringing its total to 18.
- EgyptAir: The airline increased its 2023 order for 10 A350-900s to 16, aiming to enhance its international network and replace ageing Boeing 777s.
- ANA Holdings: Japan’s All Nippon Airways finalised a firm order for 24 A321neos and three A321XLRs, with 10 A321neos and all XLRs designated for its subsidiary Peach Aviation, marking Japan’s first operation of the Embraer E190-E2 with a firm order for 15 units and options for five more.
Airbus showcased its commercial range, including an A321XLR in Riyadh Air’s vibrant livery, an A220 demonstrator, and A350-900 and A350-1000 widebodies. The A350-1000 performed in the daily flying displays, captivating audiences with its sleek design and advanced technology.
Embraer and ATR Secure Regional Wins
Embraer made significant strides in the regional market, securing 79 firm orders and 60 options. A standout deal was with SkyWest Airlines, which ordered 60 E175 jets with purchase rights for 50 more, valued at £2.8 billion ($3.6 billion), for operations under Delta, American, and United regional brands. Airlink signed a lease deal with Azorra for 10 E195-E2s, with deliveries expected between late 2025 and 2027. Embraer also announced Bridges Air Cargo as the launch customer for its E190F passenger-to-freight conversion, with operations set to begin in Q3 2025. An Embraer E195-E2 participated in the flying display, highlighting its next-generation regional jet capabilities.
Franco-Italian manufacturer ATR showcased its ATR 72-600, with one in Brazilian airline Azul’s livery on static display and another performing daily flyovers. JSX, a US semi-private carrier, signed a letter of intent for 15 ATR 42-600s in a low-density, luxurious configuration, while Air Tahiti announced the introduction of HighLine business class seats on its ATRs for Polynesian routes. ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada revealed plans to collaborate on advanced propulsion, including hybrid-electric technology for the ATR EVO project.
De Havilland Canada announced a commitment from Manitoba for three DHC-515 waterbombers, supporting wildfire response efforts, and a firm order from Ethiopian Airlines for two Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft with amphibious landing gear for remote operations. Both aircraft featured in the static display, with the Twin Otter making its international debut.
Defence was a dominant theme, influenced by ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Lockheed Martin announced a 40% increase in tactical missile production, emphasising scale and delivery reliability. Leonardo and Baykar launched LBA Systems, a joint venture showcasing the TB-3 and Akinci PT-10 UAVs. Airbus confirmed production of the A330 MRTT+ for an undisclosed customer, while Honeywell revealed autonomous flight capabilities for the Leonardo AW139 helicopter and secured contracts for the US Army’s Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft.
Boeing’s Subdued Presence
Boeing maintained a low profile following the tragic Air India Flight 171 crash, with CEO Kelly Ortberg cancelling his attendance. The company refrained from major announcements or flyovers, displaying only a 777-300ER in Qatar Airways’ livery in the static park. Industry analysts noted Boeing’s focus on supporting customers and the crash investigation, with its order book already stretched to 2031–2032 due to supply chain constraints.
Sustainability was a key focus, with Airbus purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) for employee transport to the show. ZeroAvia signed an MoU with Loganair to explore hydrogen-electric engines for DHC-6 Twin Otters and ATR aircraft. Greenerwave and Safran announced research into low-power Ka-band SATCOM terminals for enhanced in-flight connectivity. The European Space Agency celebrated the launch of the LISA mission, a gravitational wave observatory, with a contract awarded to OHB System AG.
The daily flying displays were a highlight, featuring Airbus’ A350-1000, Embraer’s E195-E2, ATR’s 72-600, and military aircraft like the Eurofighter Typhoon. Public days from 20 to 22 June drew crowds to the static displays, including Airbus’ A350, A400M, and Racer helicopter, alongside interactive exhibits at the Airbus Chalet and Paris Air Lab. An Instagram photo contest offered winners a behind-the-scenes tour of Airbus’ facilities in Toulouse and Marignane.
The Skytrax World Airline Awards at the Air and Space Museum crowned Qatar Airways as the World’s Best Airline for the ninth time, adding a celebratory note to the event. However, the mood remained subdued due to the Air India tragedy, geopolitical tensions, and supply chain challenges. Media noticed a shift from blockbuster announcements to a focus on delivery reliability, with both Airbus and Boeing facing backlogs of over 5,000 and 8,000 aircraft, respectively.
The Paris Air Show 2025 underscored Airbus’ commercial dominance, with significant orders from VietJet, AviLease, and Riyadh Air, while Embraer and ATR solidified their regional market positions.
Defence and sustainability innovations highlighted the industry’s evolving priorities, despite a quieter Boeing presence and a reflective atmosphere. As Le Bourget closed its gates, the aerospace sector reaffirmed its resilience, navigating a complex landscape of opportunity and challenge.
