When Europe’s flagship aerospace exhibition opened this week at Le Bourget Airport, the atmosphere was notably subdued. The annual Paris Air Show—running June 16–20, and typically characterized by dazzling aerobatics and major dealmaking—was overshadowed by a devastating disaster. Just days before the event, an Air India Boeing 787‑8 Dreamliner bound for London crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad on June 12, killing at least 241 onboard and an additional 29 on the ground.
In a sign of respect, Boeing’s leadership, including CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope, pulled out of the air show. GE Aerospace, whose engines powered the ill‑fated jet, also postponed its scheduled investor day and dispatched teams to assist with the crash investigation. The tragedy thus cast a pall over what is usually the world’s busiest aerospace expo, with fewer press events and muted public activity.
Beyond the crash, geopolitical tensions further dampened the mood. In response to escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, French authorities even forced the temporary closure of several Israeli defense manufacturer booths, prompting some Middle Eastern delegations to skip the show entirely.
Yet amid the gloom, business continued—though with a clear shift. Airbus, unburdened by recent catastrophe, seized the moment. The Toulouse-based company secured 244 aircraft orders—142 firm and 102 provisional—valued at approximately $21 billion, dominating the show’s commercial segment. Highlight deals included a $4.6 billion order from Riyadh Air for 25 A350‑1000s, as well as A220 and A321 orders from AviLease and LOT Polish Airlines.
In contrast, Boeing announced no new aircraft orders. Still, the company projected long-term market growth, forecasting demand for 43,600 new aircraft by 2044 and expecting narrow-body jets like the 737 series to drive future expansion.
Off the commercial runway, defense firms seized the opportunity presented by Europe’s increased strategic spending. Rolls‑Royce made its bid to enter the narrow‑body engine market—a sector traditionally dominated by CFM and Pratt & Whitney—urging UK government backing for its UltraFan engine and small modular reactor projects, arguing that such support could create tens of thousands of jobs. The company also emphasized its role in future military programs, including the Tempest sixth-generation fighter and autonomous drones.
Meanwhile, European defense cooperation showed signs of strain. Leaders of the Franco‑German‑Spanish future fighter project hinted at potential unilateral paths amid disagreements on leadership roles. However, partnership deals did move forward: Germany’s Rheinmetall teamed up with US-based drone maker Anduril, and Italy’s Leonardo strengthened its ties with Turkey’s Baykar, aligning with Europe’s push for strategic autonomy.
Despite the sombre backdrop, analysts say the fundamentals of global aviation remain strong. Supply chain bottlenecks are easing, and long-term demand is projected to grow—Airbus highlighted a roughly 45 % industry expansion by 2030 relative to pre‑pandemic levels .
In summary, the 2025 Paris Air Show blended innovation with introspection. Airbus’ order-heavy performance contrasted sharply with Boeing’s restrained participation. Meanwhile, rising defense spending and energy-industrial ambitions reflect a broader European strategic pivot. Yet, the tragic Air India crash—and the intensifying Middle Eastern conflict—served as stark reminders that safety and stability remain the industry’s paramount concerns.
