European aircraft maker Airbus made a splash on the first day of the Paris Air Show with the announcement of the biggest-ever order for civil aircraft, as the French president joined a big crowd for the event’s return after a four-year Covid hiatus.
The 500-plane deal with low-cost Indian carrier IndiGo kicked off what organisers have billed as the “recovery airshow” after the coronavirus ravaged the sector and the biennial trade fair was cancelled in 2021.
Fighter jets and civilian aircraft streaked across the sky while besuited and uniformed delegations, including Ukrainian military officials and President Emmanuel Macron, toured the stands.
This year’s airshow has a new focus on defence following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, along with the industry’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, with French President Emmanuel Macron arriving in a helicopter partly using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Macron called for “restraint” to protect the environment but said measures for aviation should be “reasonable” rather than “punitive”, adding that the world shouldn’t “give up on growth”.
The Ukraine conflict has also prompted countries to step up military spending, which could benefit aerospace defence firms.
Along with the Farnborough airshow in England, which takes place in even numbered years, Le Bourget is a key sales event for the civil and defence industries.
Airbus and rival Boeing compete fiercely in announcing orders for aircraft running into the billions of dollars.
Monday’s IndiGo-Airbus deal covers A320 family planes at a list price of $55 billion.
Although closely-held actual sale prices are usually lower, it marks the largest ever civil aviation order by volume.
Airbus and Boeing are also battling to solidify supply chains as they increase production to meet growing demand.
The airshow also hopes to open a window into the future as projects for flying taxis and other vertical takeoff aircraft abound.
Engine maker Safran announced early Monday that it would open four production lines in France and Britain making electric motors for small planes.
For his part, Macron arrived aboard Airbus’ latest helicopter, the H160, in a flight fuelled with 30 percent SAF before visiting the European group’s stand laying out its net-zero-by-2050 plan.
Macron had on Friday announced $2.2 billion to help develop technologies to reduce aircraft emissions.
Roger Barake, with AFP
