PARIS AIR SHOW 2023

The 54th edition of the world's largest biennial aviation trade fair, the Paris Air Show opened its doors at Le Bourget Parc des Expositions for the first time in four years on Tuesday 20 June. The week-long fair was brimming with visitors from all around the world, especially Middle Eastern carriers that aim to expand internationally.

- ATHOL FRANZ

As is customary the first four days of the show were reserved for trade visitors, followed by three days open to the general public. With air travellers returning after the pandemic and the strong demand for jets and air defences, airlines are ordering new aircraft. However, the manufacturers are struggling to keep up with the high demand, saying the supply chain will only be stabilised in 2027 and beyond for general availability.

Airbus accelerates past Boeing

The European Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) overshadowed Boeing during the event. The first day of the event also marked an important moment in the history of the aviation industry, with India's IndiGo breaking the record for the largest-ever aircraft order.

Overall during the week Airbus secured 821 orders: 500 A320neo family aircraft from IndiGo, 250 various aircraft from Air India, 30 A320neo family aircraft from flynas, 20 from Avolon (an MoU), nine A220s from Qantas, nine A350-1000 from Philippine Airlines and three A350-900 aircraft from Air Mauritius. This figure does not include 25 A321neos from Volaris, as the Mexican low-cost carrier's order was booked by the manufacturer in October 2022 and listed under an undisclosed airline at the time. As of 31 May 2023 the manufacturer's Year-to-Date net orders stood at 144. The data included 50 A321neo and 23 A350-1000 orders from Qatar Airways, which were reinstated once the two sides settled their conflict in February 2023 over premature paint surface degradation of the airline's A350s.

Boeing receives orders for 737 MAX jets and Dreamliners