[Debriefing] International Paris Air Show – Salon International du Bourget 2025

[Debriefing] International Paris Air Show

Salon International du Bourget 2025

Authors: Martin Gillet & Benoît Denet reporting from Le Bourget, Paris.

It is with a warm weather that the 2025 Paris Airshow opened its doors to the professionals guests on June 16^th, running until June 22 with a window for Grand Public venue to join during June 20^th-22^nd.

Key figures for The Salon du Bourget, which featured over:

• ~2,400 exhibitors from 48 countries
• ~305,200 unique visitors (130,000?+ trade professionals)
• Exhibition covers ~70ha with 155 aircraft displayed and ~173 flying demos
• Defence focus: ~45% of exhibit space devoted to defence/security – record high

• Tensions on display: Israeli defence exhibits partially walled off amidst Middle East tensions

The week is always the key moment to announce commercial orders.

Airbus leadership was highlighted and secured with 142 firm aircraft orders (~US$20.9bn).

Deals included :

• 100× A321neos (VietJet),
• 25× A350 1000 (Riyadh Air),
• 30× A320neos +1 0× A350Fs (AviLease),
• 40× A220 (LOT Polish Airlines),
• 27× A321neo/XLR (ANA), plus extra A350s for Starlux & EgyptAir.

Embraer also announced major orders: SkyWest, which placed a $3.6bn order for 60 E175.

Subdued Boeing presence: With respect due to the recent Air India crash, no new commercial orders were announced, and executives cancelled their attendance.

Innovation and sustainability were also key highlights for this edition :

• Start Me Up & Careers Zones: platforms supporting ~300 start-ups and promoting aerospace careers via “Avion des Métiers” and “L’Aéro Recrute”
• Paris Air Lab: interactive tech hub showcasing hydrogen propulsion, SAFs, AI, composite materials, cybersecurity, and urban air mobility
• Space Pavilion: debut of a new 2,500m² exhibition zone for space industry innovations with conferences and start-ups

The Airshow is not only showcasing aircraft on static display but also lining up daily an amazing series of demos with multiple aircraft, including planes and helicopters.

Short excerpt from the 169 Flight demonstrations held :

• BETA TECHNOLOGIES ALIA CX300: ALIA CTOL, CX300 is a fully electric battery-powered single-engine aeroplane. It is designed for conventional takeoff and landing at airports for cargo, logistics, medical and passenger flights.
• Extra 330 EVAAE: Used by the French Air and Space Force Aerobatic Team (EVAAE), this two-seater aerobatic aircraft withstands +10/-10 g. Powered by a 315 hp Lycoming engine, it can reach 407 km/h. Built for precision, it delivers spectacular maneuvers at every airshow.
• NH90 ALAT: The NH90 Caïman, the French ALAT variant, is specialised in tactical operations. Equipped with advanced systems, it can operate day or night in hostile environments. It transports troops, cargo, and performs evacuations under enemy fire.

• VL3 turbine: This ultralight VL3 fitted with a 130 hp TP-R90 turbine engine cruises over 370 km/h. With its carbon aerodynamic cell and responsive controls, it offers fast, efficient flying. A blend of light aviation and cutting-edge tech.
• EC 665 TIGRE: The EC 665 Tiger is a Franco-German attack helicopter designed for support, reconnaissance, and anti-tank missions. Armed with rockets, missiles, and a 30 mm cannon, it offers agility, protection, and high firepower. It is operated by several European forces in complex operational environments.

• CASSIO S: Voltaero’s Cassio S is a prototype hybrid aircraft that foreshadows the development of the Cassio 330, a production aircraft incorporating this new propulsion system.
• Airbus RACER: RACER (Rapid And Cost-Effective Rotorcraft) is a hybrid technology demonstrator developed by Airbus. It merges aeroplane-like speed with helicopter agility through side rotors and a main rotor. Designed to revolutionise high-speed air transport, it offers improved fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact.

• A350-1000: The Airbus A350-1000 is the largest member of the A350 Family. With a range of 16,300 km and a capacity of up to 410 passengers, it offers unmatched efficiency, comfort, and advanced technology. Featuring a longer fuselage and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, it is optimised for long-haul routes with a reduced environmental footprint.

• ATR 72-600: The ATR 72 prototype is the first example of this regional aircraft, used for flight testing and certification before entering production.
• RAFALE: The Rafale is a multirole fighter aircraft developed by Dassault Aviation. In service since 2001, it performs air superiority, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence missions. Powered by two Snecma M88 engines, it is praised for its agility, advanced avionics, and ability to operate from an aircraft carrier.

• A400M: The A400M Atlas is a multi-purpose military transport aircraft developed by Airbus. Capable of both tactical and strategic missions, it carries up to 37 tonnes of equipment or 116 soldiers. It takes off from short or unprepared runways and refuels in flight. The A400M combines capacity, robustness and modernity for armed forces worldwide.

• Eurofighter TYPHOON: The Typhoon is a 4th-generation multirole fighter jet developed by a European consortium. Fast, agile, and equipped with advanced avionics, it excels in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Continuously upgraded, it forms the backbone of several European air forces, including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

• FOUGA CM170: The CM170 Fouga Magister is a landmark jet trainer from the 1950s. Used by numerous air forces, it is recognisable by its V-tail and high manoeuvrability. It also gained fame as an aerobatic aircraft, notably flown by the Patrouille de France until 1980.

• F-35A: The F-35 is a 5th-generation stealth multirole fighter. It features cutting-edge sensors, data fusion, and unmatched connectivity. Available in three variants, it serves air forces, navies, and marines around the world.

• KC 390 Millennium: The KC-390 Millennium is a tactical military transport aircraft developed by Embraer. Capable of aerial refuelling, cargo drops, medical and humanitarian missions, it combines versatility, high payload capacity, and speed. With advanced avionics, it offers a modern alternative to the C-130 Hercules.

The full list of flight demonstrations can be found here.

To name a few. Sherry on the pie; during the public days, a large number of warbirds were also demoed for the greatest pleasure of the audience.

Paris Air Show 2025 successfully blended record-breaking orders (Airbus-led), defence dominance, and innovation in sustainability & space, all under the sombre shadow of geopolitical and tragic events. It underscored the aerospace industry’s resilience, strategic urgency, and path toward a greener, sovereign, tech-driven future.