While it began with a significantly vibrant
kick-start, things settled a few days in to the 54th edition of the highly-anticipated Paris Air
Show. Displays were shown and products were flown, and aircraft manufacturing giants
like Airbus and Boeing certainly walked away with expected substantial
orders to add to their growing books. With big events like these, it always seems
ot be a competition between the two giants to see whose products proved to be more
popular. So who won higher stakes this time? Let’s look at the results and perform some
analysis of the outcomes for today’s video! In terms of gaining the upper hand and getting
the ball rolling during an initial slow start on the first day, Airbus had a welcoming lead
after flag carrier Air Mauritius clocked the aircraft manufacturer's first order for
three more A350-900s to join its fleet. Commenting on the news, Mr Kresimir
Kucko, CEO of Air Mauritius, stated: "Air Mauritius is proud to renew its
confidence in Airbus and its products, continuing a three-decade long partnership.
The additional A350-900 aircraft will help us strengthen our European network and
secure further growth in other markets. We are looking forward to achieving our
ambitious objectives together with Airbus," Then joining in on the ordering-action shortly
after was Saudi low-cost carrier flynas, which firmed an order for 30 new
Airbus A320neo family aircraft. Ten of these aircraft are expected to be A321XLRs, providing the Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier with
the necessary fleet to expand internationally. And rounding off Airbus' first day in no small
way was Indian budget carrier IndiGo. The airline, headed by former KLM CEO Pieter Elbers,
placed a record-breaking order for 500 Airbus A320neo family aircraft, making
it the biggest aircraft order in history. Commenting on the deal, Elbers said, “It is difficult to overstate the significance
of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. An order book now of
almost 1000 aircraft well into the next decade, enables IndiGo to fulfil its mission
to continue to boost economic growth, social cohesion and mobility in India.
At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s preferred airline for connectivity
in and with India; and by doing so, being one of the leading airlines in the world.
This order strongly reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in the growth of India, in the A320 Family and
in our strategic partnership with Airbus.” On day two, Philippine Airlines ordered nine
Airbus A350-1000s, while Air India signed a purchase agreement for the 250 aircraft it
signed a letter of intent for in February. Qantas would then wrap up the second
day following suit and finalizing its commitment for nine additional Airbus A220-300s. The third day proved quieter for Airbus. Its
order book saw a small boost for A330neos after aircraft leasing giant Avolon signed
for an additional 20 of the aircraft type. Deliveries for these widebody aircraft
are expected to begin in 2026. TAAG Angola Airlines signed lease agreements
for nine Airbus A220s with three lessors. With no orders on day four, Airbus left this
year's Paris Air Show with a total demand for 821 aircraft. The total summary for the
European aircraft manufacturer is as follows: Nine AIrbus A220-300s were ordered by Qantas.
A whopping 740 Airbus A320neo family jets ordered between flynas, IndiGo, and Air India
20 Airbus A330neos ordered by Avolon And 52 A350s committed through Air
Mauritius, Philippine Airlines, and Air India So while Airbus clearly clocked in some massive aircraft orders from the Paris Air
Show, how did rival Boeing fare? Compared to its European rival, the US
aircraft manufacturer breezed through day one quietly and only saw action on day two, when it logged its first order with China
Airlines for eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Aircraft lessor Avolon also scored a hat-trick before lunchtime after firming
an order for 40 737 MAX 8s. "Today's announcement reaffirms our long-standing
partnership with Boeing and our support for their 737 MAX program. We are confident in the long-term
demand from our customers for the 737 MAX, and this order extends our delivery pipeline
out to 2030," said Andy Cronin, CEO, Avolon. This second day also saw Air Algerie
placing an order for eight Boeing 737 MAX 9s alongside a committing Memorandum
of Understanding for a pair of 737 BCFs. Air India wrapped things up by signing
the purchase agreement for the 220 aircraft for which it signed a
letter of intent in February. Boeing notes that this is its
largest order in South Asia and highlights its 90-year partnership with Air India. The order includes options
for an additional 70 aircraft. Day three would see Boeing bag more
narrowbody orders after flag carrier Luxair placed an order for four
737 MAX 7 aircraft. This would see the airline become the launch
customer of the type in Europe. Indian low-cost carrier and relatively
new startup Akasa Air would also boost the manufacturer's numbers by placing a
small order for an additional four 737 MAXs. And with that, the orders for Boeing
were concluded to 356 aircraft. The summary and breakdown is as follows: Two 737 BCFs were ordered by Avolon
296 Boeing 737 MAXs were ordered by Avolon, Air Algerie, Air India, Luxair, and Akasa Air. Air India committed to 10 Boeing 777Xs
While China airlines took eight Boeing 787s This brought Boeing’s total airframes
ordered during the show to 316. When comparing Airbus' total of over 800 aircraft
orders to Boeing's sub-400, it is clear that the European aircraft manufacturer takes the crown
for the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show. Of course, being considered the
quote-unquote ‘winnter’ was only made possible due to IndiGo's
significant historical order. At the same time, both manufacturers enjoyed
equally impressive orders from Indian carriers, further reaffirming the growing popularity
and strength of the South Asian market. And despite the significant difference,
it is still reassuring to see both sides securing blossoming business during the air show,
especially in various global markets. Overall, this year's air show was quite a blast, and it
is a game of patience until the next one in 2025! However, before that happens, the
next big air show coming up will be the Dubai Airshow, scheduled to take
place between 13 and 17 November, 2023. Would you agree with our assessment of the Paris Air show? Share your
thoughts by leaving a comment!
