Camilla Jessen
The 55th Paris Air Show officially opened on June 16 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris.
The 55th Paris Air Show opened on June 16 at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. Around 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries have gathered to present new technologies, meet experts, and watch air shows.
Thousands of Exhibitors and Aircraft
As reported by WP Tech, this year’s show features about 300 official delegations, over 100 start-ups, and 150 aircraft on display. France leads with more than 1,000 exhibitors. Other major participants include the United States (449 exhibitors), Italy (112), Great Britain (105), Germany (102), and Belgium (86), according to the Polish Press Agency.
The exhibition covers 70 hectares and is divided into six main categories:
- Space
- Drones
- Sustainable Air Transport
- Quantum Computing and AI Cybersecurity
- Defense
- Pioneers
The space sector has been given more space this year, with a dedicated 2,500-square-meter Paris Space Hub showcasing satellites and other devices.
Decarbonization and Technology in Focus
The Paris Air Lab pavilion highlights innovations for reducing aviation’s carbon footprint.
Despite some fading attention, “it is still the number one priority for tomorrow’s technologies,” said Guillaume Faury, head of the GIFAS federation, which organizes the event.
Cybersecurity and digital technology also play a central role in this year’s technological displays.
As usual, the show is a major stage for competition between Airbus and Boeing.
This year, Boeing will not fly any aircraft, while Airbus will present its long-distance A350-1000 passenger plane and the experimental Racer helicopter.
Boeing will still showcase its products at the US State Department’s stand, where visitors can see models such as the F-15, F/A-18 fighters, and the KC-46 aerial tanker.
China’s Impressive Presence
The French weekly Le Point noted China’s strong presence at the show.
Chinese aircraft models are drawing attention in the exhibition halls, even though the Comac C-919 passenger plane, China’s answer to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, is not certified in Europe and will not be flown at the event.
Le Point described it as “Beijing showing muscles, although it is not taking them into flight.”
Ongoing global tensions are also influencing the event.
Current US tariffs on European aircraft equipment are 10% but could rise to 20% after the 90-day suspension announced by President Donald Trump on April 9 expires.
Ukraine is also present, with five exhibitors, including start-up Ailand System, Antonov aircraft manufacturer, and engine maker Motor Sich.
High Turnout Expected
Organizers expect more visitors than the 2019 edition, which attracted 140,000 people during the industry days and over 160,000 during the public days. This year:
- June 16–19 is reserved for industry professionals.
- June 20 is open for students and job seekers.
- June 21–22 will host the general public for air shows from 12:30 to 16:30.
A new feature this year is a focus on increasing women’s participation in the aviation industry.
Presentations and meetings are being held to encourage girls to consider careers in aviation.
“The goal is to show girls that the sector is accessible, interesting, and that they are fully capable of working in it,” said the show’s director general, Guillaume Bourdeloux, to AFP.