Paris Air Show 2025: Ready for Takeoff

PARIS— Paris is at full throttle right now with the extraordinary win of Paris Saint-Germain over Inter, keeping us on the edge of our seats with Roland Garros, and most importantly, bringing the aviation market and community together with the Paris Air Show 2025.

The PAS 2023 was a huge success, returning after a short break due to COVID-19. The air show featured participation from aircraft manufacturers not just in commercial aviation, but also from Urban Air Mobility vehicles, and racked up around 1,000 aircraft orders in total.

For the 55^th International Paris Air Show, the Airways team will be attending from the front row to bring the readers exclusive news and insights. However, first, let's review what to expect from PAS2025.

Airbus Brings the A321XLR

The Airbus A321XLR, being one of the latest variants in the family, is expected to turn heads once again. But the most striking part would be the livery it houses. The A321XLR, registered as F-WWBZ, will feature the colours of Riyadh Air, which recently received its paint job in Hamburg (XFW). The aircraft doesn’t belong to the customer, but it’s a part of Airbus' test fleet.

Airbus is expected to showcase the A220, A350-900, and A350-1000, though notably, the A330neo will not be part of the static display this year. The A350-1000 displayed will be a prototype aircraft, which is also shown during the general public days. Who will bring their Airbus A350-900? It is not yet confirmed, but if you are a new or recent customer of this aircraft type, please watch this space for more updates.

With Airbus having secured 2,094 and 826 orders in 2023 and 2024, respectively, it's still too early to predict the volume of orders Airbus might receive during the air show. According to recent reports, China plans to seal an order for up to 300 narrowbody and widebody aircraft when European and Chinese leaders meet in Beijing later this year. So, this air show will be something to watch closely for the developments.

Embraer Displays the Tech Eagle

Embraer has built strong momentum in recent years, with its delivery targets rightly aligned and a substantial order backlog. The current best-selling aircraft of Embraer, E195-E2, has a total of 282 firm orders. For the air shows, Embraer brings its best aircraft, featuring an eye-catching tech eagle livery. The aircraft will be on static display both during the trade days and the general public days.

The aircraft, registered as PR-ZIQ, has already reached Le Bourget (LBA) for the air show. It had one of the most prominent hops with a flight time of 7 hours and 37 minutes on its way from Brazil, with a quick stop in Portugal. Embraer plans to make some announcements during the first couple of days of PAS2025, and the aircraft can also be expected to participate in a flying display.

Boeing Focuses on Customers, Innovation, Partnerships

Like the Farnborough Air Show 2024, Boeing will also not bring its aircraft to PAS2025. Instead, Boeing focuses on connecting with the customers and strengthening the trust in safety, quality, and culture.

However, Boeing displays some of the technologies and immersive experiences during the air show. A full-size 777X interior section featuring a wider cabin and spacious interiors will be displayed in their Pavilion. Additionally, customers and guests can experience an immersive theatre presentation of the 777-8 freighter.

Furthermore, Boeing will also focus on its role in sustainable aviation and the importance of effective collaboration for a resilient Sustainable Aviation Fuel production and supply chain.

ATR Looks Positive for the Future

ATR, the world leader in regional aircraft, will showcase its highly efficient ATR 72-600 in the colours of Azul. Along with the static display, the aircraft manufacturer also showcases a wide range of products, including a cabin mock-up of the ATR Highline. ATR Highline offers one of the high-end interiors for ultimate comfort.

ATR holds press conferences to present their recent achievements and a new global turboprop market forecast. With the emerging markets in Asia and the Americas, ATR looks positive on future orders.

The ATR 72-600 will be part of the daily flying display, which will surely be a treat to the eyes. Focusing on being one of the lowest-emission aircraft in the regional market, ATR will discuss its future technological advancements in collaboration with Pratt and Whitney Canada.

What Else to Look Out for?

Apart from the major aircraft manufacturers, the air show will also feature some of the latest technological advancements and upgraded cabins for select aircraft. One such airline is Qatar Airways (QR), which will display its Paris-Saint-Germain-themed Boeing 777-300ER. In addition, QR will showcase its Qsuite Next Gen, an upgraded iteration of one of the best business-class cabins currently available.

Air shows are also an excellent opportunity to closely monitor updates regarding Urban Air Mobility Vehicles. Eve is one such eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) aircraft, which is part of Embraer's innovation division. Eve will be presenting its updates and upgrades, which also include design refinements such as a wheeled landing gear option, an optimised cabin interior, and an aerodynamic wing design, among others.

Dutch startup Maeve Aerospace will showcase its recently unveiled MJ500, a hybrid electric regional aircraft designed to carry 76-100 passengers. This is intended to be a direct competitor to the Embraer E175-E1.

Stay tuned to Airways for our live coverage of PAS2025 from Le Bourget in Paris, and be sure to follow us for live updates on all our social media channels #PAS2025.