Saturday, June 21, 2025

Every other summer, over 100,000 professionals from the aviation industry gather in Paris for an airshow that combines a thrilling flying display with a comprehensive conference. However, this year’s event was more subdued than usual following the tragic crash of an Air India flight bound for London, which occurred a week earlier in Ahmedabad.

Investigators have recovered the aircraft’s black box, aiming to determine the cause of the disaster. Boeing, the aircraft’s manufacturer, and GE Aerospace, the maker of the 787 Dreamliner’s engines, both canceled many of their media events out of respect for the 241 passengers and crew who perished, along with at least 30 others who died on the ground. The somber mood cast a shadow over the event, which traditionally showcases both civil and military aviation.

The war between Israel and Iran also added tension to the airshow proceedings. The French government instructed the show’s organizers to cover up stands displaying Israeli weapons, signaling France’s opposition to the escalating conflict. Moreover, the ongoing war prevented several Middle Eastern military clients from attending, further casting a shadow over the event.
The airshow is typically dominated by competition between Airbus and Boeing, with both manufacturers eager to announce the most significant airline orders. This year, Boeing was conspicuously missing from the order announcements.The company’s recent challenges—including the two deadly 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019—have allowed Airbus to maintain its lead in recent years. At the event, Airbus announced 142 firm orders and another 102 provisional orders, totaling \$21 billion in value, according to Cirium Ascend, an aviation consultancy.

In contrast, Boeing made no new orders. A Boeing executive extended condolences to those affected by the Air India tragedy, offering heartfelt thoughts to the families and Air India, the company’s long-term partner. While the investigation into the cause of the crash is still ongoing, experts are refraining from making long-term predictions about the potential impacts on Boeing. However, there is a consensus that the global aviation market remains strong, with high demand for air travel.

Boeing forecasts that the aviation industry will need approximately 43,600 new aircraft by 2044. The majority of these deliveries will likely be “narrowbody” planes, such as Airbus’s A320 and Boeing’s 737, which are popular for short-haul flights. Boeing’s vice president of commercial marketing predicts that the industry will be nearly 45% larger by 2030 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

Companies like Rolls-Royce are positioning themselves to capitalize on this growth. The British engine manufacturer, which specializes in engines for large “widebody” aircraft, is aiming to enter the narrowbody market. Rolls-Royce’s CEO has advocated for partial government funding to help develop the next generation of jet engines, known as UltraFan. He argues that winning orders for narrowbody engines could unlock significant economic growth and create thousands of new jobs in the UK.

He emphasized that supporting industries with a competitive advantage—such as Rolls-Royce’s gas turbines and small modular nuclear reactors—would help sustain the UK’s position in global markets. Rolls-Royce also plays a crucial role in the UK’s defense strategy. The company’s involvement in the development of nuclear reactors for attack submarines and engines for the future Tempest jet—jointly funded by the UK, Italy, and Japan—ensures long-term demand for its products.

The Paris Airshow also highlighted growing tensions in European defense projects. France, Germany, and Spain are embroiled in a conflict regarding the leadership of their collaborative sixth-generation fighter jet program. This conflict reflects broader challenges in European defense as countries seek to strengthen their military capabilities in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

At the airshow, defense collaborations were also announced. Rheinmetall, a German defense manufacturer, has teamed up with the U.S.-based drone company Anduril to produce advanced weapons, while Italy’s Leonardo has established a joint venture with Turkey’s Baykar to develop cutting-edge drones. With renewed security concerns, European leaders are moving quickly to ramp up domestic defense production and reduce reliance on external suppliers.

The Paris Airshow underscored the growing importance of aerospace and defense in the global landscape, where geopolitical tensions and technological advancements are driving industry innovation. The shifting dynamics of global security and technological advancement are reshaping the future of aviation and defense industries.