A muggy, muggy day in Paris did little to dampen the atmosphere at Monday’s Paris Air Show. For the first time in four years, representatives of the aviation industry met to present the latest products and technologies and set the course for the aerospace industry.
Delighted to be back at Paris-Le Bourget Airport (LBG) for the first time since 2019 (the biennial show has been canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic) and generally pleased with the demand the industry is currently experiencing, even if the supply chains continue to buckle. Still, a muted undercurrent set the tone of the day.
Although commercial aviation and its customers from the aviation industry currently have a good overall chance, only a few new announcements were expected. Most of what was on display had already been presented at previous fairs.
Instead, the day felt like a grounding exercise, a fresh start — or just a chance to breathe together — as the industry adjusts to the next direction.
There was manic but tentative jubilation as the Dubai Air Show began to open globally at the end of 2021, and at the first European show back, in Farnborough just under a year ago, there were high expectations and plenty on offer. The first few hours in Paris felt more like a conscious effort to check footing and look up to see where the journey was going.
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Of course, there was still much to see, hear and discover at the world’s largest aviation event, and the quieter atmosphere didn’t stop one aircraft builder from landing a record-breaking contract. It’s an air show after all.
Airbus has signed an agreement with Indian airline IndiGo for a firm order of 500 A320 Family aircraft – the largest single aircraft purchase in almost 120 years of commercial aviation history. The deal didn’t come as a huge surprise, as Portal first reported earlier this month that it was close to completion. Still, it surpassed Air India’s recent order for 470 jets (a record-breaker at the time) and capped a successful first day for Airbus.
The European aircraft manufacturer also announced that Saudi low-cost airline Flynas has pledged 30 options for A320neo jets, while Air Mauritius has ordered three widebody A340s.
In comparison, it was a quiet day for Boeing with no orders announced. However, the company previously said it expects a quieter pace this year after announcing several large orders over the past six months.
Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland Canada made an early impact by unveiling a new variant of its iconic Twin Otter workhorse, the DHC-6. The new aircraft, the Twin Otter Classic 300-G, is a lighter version with a larger payload. Twin Otters can be seen on commuter routes, ferrying guests from the airport to their resorts in the Maldives, transporting supplies and cargo to harsh areas around the world, performing medevac missions, and more. DHC said it has sold up to 45 new aircraft to date.
Behind the scenes: what it was like to cover my first air show: a recap of the Dubai Airshow
Air shows are sprawling events that typically take up an entire airport, albeit a smaller one. They offer taxiways and ramps full of aircraft on display, temporary “chalets” where major corporations and airlines hold meetings, exhibition halls full of civil and military aeronautical technology, glimpses of future projects that could shape the industry, and much more. For many participants, the offers are an afterthought; The chance to see cool new stuff is the latest.
TPG will be bringing more of the show in the coming days. This year the show sees a strong presence from eVTOL manufacturers vying to bring the first ‘flying taxi’ company to market. The gathering will also showcase everything from hopeful supersonic aircraft designers, to electric and hydrogen engines, to sustainable aviation fuel providers who want to help lead the industry into a greener future.
However, today was all about getting a foothold at the show itself, exploring some aircraft we rarely see inside (stay tuned!) and of course watching the flight displays and trying out the new items on the ground.
I’m a sucker for helicopter acrobatics so it was a treat to see some bonus swoops and falls earlier in the day. The official flight program does not start until the afternoon.
DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
We also saw Airbus fly its A321XLR for the first time at an air show. The aircraft manufacturer flew this variant with a particularly long range for the first time last year, but not as part of a public demonstration.
DAVID SLOTNICK/THE POINTS GUY
Next, a Dassault Rafale fighter plane took the stage. While I’m not very knowledgeable about military aviation, it was cool to see her approach Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) with an Air France jet in the background… and some of the stunts, which she laid down in the humidity.
Back on the ground, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker held a ceremony to welcome the first Gulfstream G700 to the airline’s executive fleet.
Sitting next to a modified Airbus A319 that was already part of that fleet, the two made a remarkable couple. We’ll learn more about these two jets soon, but here’s a preview:
Speaking of sneak previews, newly formed Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air — a sister airline to flagship carrier Saudia and owned by the state’s sovereign wealth fund — showed off a leased 787-9 in its all-new livery. Riyadh won’t get its first planes until 2025, but the airline saw this as an opportunity for a smashing debut.
I missed part of the afternoon flight display but still had the opportunity to see Boeing’s two newest jets – the 737 MAX 10 and the 777-9, both of which are still in the certification phase.
Finally, I saw some notable flights by a FedEx ATR-72-600, a French Potez CM-170 Fouga stunt plane and a US F-35.
Stay tuned for the Paris Air Show and follow TPG on Instagram for even more from France.