Paris Air Show 2023: Paris readies for airshow return
After four long years, the Paris Airshow – the world’s largest gathering for the aerospace industry – is back and raring to go.
In 2019, advanced air…
Sponsored by CFM
After four long years, the Paris Airshow – the world’s largest gathering for the aerospace industry – is back and raring to go.
In 2019, advanced air mobility was almost still science fiction, sustainability was an issue on the horizon, order books were packed, production rates stepping up and business was booming.
Covid changed all that, and as the gates open at Le Bourget on Monday for the 54th edition of the show, the agenda is changing. Sustainability is key, and a supply chain crisis that is delaying delivery schedules and hampering maintenance, staffing and performance is also a focus.
At the show, Airbus will be carrying out a flyby of its long range narrowbody the A321 XLR, launched at the last Paris show, and now in flight test. The 4,700 nautical mile aircraft is powered by the fuel efficient CFM Leap 1A engines.
Military and commercial airshow exhibitors
“We were the first one flying the very first flight of the XLR. And on the order book, we’ve received orders for 55% of the orders on the XLR. So we’re very proud to be the leading engine for this programme,” said CFM’s president Gael Meheust.
Boeing is welcoming Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier Riyadh Air with a full livery on a 787-9 Dreamliner – an appreciation of the recent multi-billion dollar order.
There is also a great array of military hardware on display, including future combat aircraft from Europe.
There will be plenty of news announcements, too. A joint venture was revealed today between the world’s largest electric motor manufacturer, Japan’s Nidec Corporation and Embraer, to develop electric motors for the aerospace industry, starting modestly with the eVTOLS but with plans to develop to regional turboprop size. Eve was named as the venture’s first customer.
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