For more than a century, the International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget has stood as a beacon for the global aerospace industry, a place where innovation takes flight, and the future of aviation is shaped. The 55th edition of the show, held from June 16 to 22, 2025, showcased the latest advancements in civil aviation, defence, and space, providing a unique platform for the unveiling of new aircraft, satellites, propulsion systems, armaments, and flight assistance technologies. It is a place where some of the industry’s biggest deals are struck, strategic alliances are forged, and the technological roadmap for the coming years is set.

Officially inaugurated by French Prime Minister François Bayrou on June 16, the 2025 Paris Air Show (PAS) was recognised as a major national event. The presence of President Emmanuel Macron on June 20, along with 15 French ministers and secretaries of state, underscored the event’s importance not only to France but to the global aerospace community.

This year’s show attracted a record over 3,05,000 visitors. The exhibition hosted 2,400 exhibitors from 48 countries, including 1,124 French companies and 136 startups. The scale of the event was further emphasised by 332 chalets. Over 150 aircraft were displayed, with 173 flight demonstrations. The show’s reach extended to 400 official delegations (civilian and military) from France and abroad.

Among the 400 delegations were 80 civil delegations invited by the French Ministry of Transport, representing 64 countries and five international organisations. For the first time, a delegation from the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) attended, led by its President and Secretary General. The civil sector was further represented by 12 civil aviation ministers and 62 directors general of civil aviation.

On the military side, 174 official delegations attended at the invitation of the French Ministry of the Armed Forces, representing 77 countries and five international organisations. These included 17 ministers, nine deputy ministers or secretaries of state, 36 chiefs of staff, and 26 directors general of armament. Additionally, 149 other institutional delegations, both French and international, participated, including 20 from EU institutions, three from NATO, and several from the European Commission.

The show featured numerous events aimed at promoting dialogue, spreading scientific and industrial culture, and strengthening the appeal of a sector that innovates, creates value, decarbonises, ensures defence and security, and trains and recruits widely.

Notable public events at the show included the Paris Space Hub, the Paris Air Lab and the Start-Me-Up. Initiatives like L’Aéro Recrute and the Women in Aerospace and Space programme highlighted the sector’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Space exploration took center stage in 2025 with the launch of the Paris Space Hub, a brand-new setting that offered an immersive journey into the latest achievements in satellite technology, lunar exploration, and scientific breakthroughs. Apart from insightful talks and the display of technology, attendees could also participate in a virtual reality space adventure, donning VR headsets to explore Mars, Saturn, and the cosmos in stunning detail.

The 2025 Paris Air Lab spotlighted some key challenges and innovations in air transport, from AI, cybersecurity, and quantum tech to sustainable fuels, electrification, and hydrogen, through interactive exhibits on ultra-efficient aircraft, light aviation, and new air mobility concepts. As a united, forward-looking showcase within the Paris Air Show, it underscored the aerospace sector’s ambitions and the transformative “fourth revolution” underway.

India marked the 2025 Paris Air Show, with the presence of 18 organisations, led by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), showcasing indigenous defence systems like the Tejas Mk-2, Astra missile, and NETRA Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C). The private sector also stepped up, with major collaborations such as Wipro’s acquisition of France’s Lauak Group, Reliance-Dassault’s Falcon 2000 line in Nagpur, and Tata Consultancy Services’s (TCS) AI-driven MRO solutions, signalling India’s ambition to become a global hub for defence innovation and manufacturing.

AIRCRAFT DISPLAYS AND AERIAL DEMONSTRATIONS

A defining feature of the Paris Air Show is its remarkable display of aircraft. In 2025, 155 aircraft were exhibited, and 173 flight demonstrations showcased the latest in aviation technology. The lineup reflected a mix of historic aircraft and next-gen platforms, signaling the industry’s transition from tradition to future-ready solutions.

Displays included the, A220, A400M, Boeing 777X, Dassault Flamant, ATR 72-600, Embraer E175, Eurofighter Typhoon, NH90, Airbus Racer, JMB VL3 Turbiner, and advanced drones. Aircraft like the Airbus Racer and electric propulsion systems drew attention, underlining the industry’s commitment to sustainability. Military aviation occupied ~45 per cent of the show space, with strong focus on air and missile defence, ISR platforms, and integration of unmanned systems with legacy aircraft.

DEALS, CONTRACTS & STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

• Airbus emerged as the dominant force in commercial aviation, securing 248 firm orders and 156 options. Major deals included Riyadh Air’s $9 billion order for 25 A350-1000s, AviLease’s mixed order of A320neos and A350Fs worth nearly $7 billion, and VietJet’s $6.3 billion deal for 100 A321neos. With total aircraft orders down from 2023, Airbus’s wide-ranging contracts from global carriers underscored strong market confidence in its latest single-aisle and long-haul aircraft.
• Boeing confirmed 41 firm orders and four options. All of these orders came from ANA Holdings of Japan, which ordered 23 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 18 737 MAX 8 aircraft, along with four options, reflecting a subdued presence for Boeing at the event.
• Embraer reported 79 firm orders and 60 options, highlighted by a 60-aircraft order from SkyWest Airlines for the E175, to be operated for Delta, American, and United. The Brazilian manufacturer also logged smaller military commitments, including a C-390 order from Portugal and three Letter of Intents (LoIs) from Lithuania, in a deal valued at $3.6 billion and deliveries beginning in 2027. Embraer and ANA finalised a deal for 15 E190-E2s, marking ANA’s first order for Embraer aircraft.
• ATR, the turboprop specialist, signed a deal with JSX for two ATR 42-600s and a letter of intent (LoI) for 15 new ATR Highline-equipped aircraft, plus 10 options.
• SkyWest Airlines placed a $3.6 billion order for 60 Embraer E175s, with options for 50 more, solidifying its status as the largest E-Jet operator.
• De Havilland Aircraft received orders for a Twin Otter Classic 300-G and two Dash 8-400 freighter conversion kits.
• Dassault Aviation and Reliance Aerostructure aim to assemble Falcon 2000LXS business jets in India, marking the first Falcon manufacturing outside France.
• Bombardier Global 7500 set a new speed record flying from Montréal to Paris for the show.
• Archer Aviation secured a $250 million agreement for up to 50 Midnight eVTOLs with Indonesia’s IKN.
• Otto Aviation received a $500 million incentive for its Phantom 3500 business jet manufacturing facility in Florida.
• Textron Aviation showcased the modular design of its King Air platform and announced a strategic partnership with Leonardo for the M-346.
• Safran Helicopter Engines, MTU Aero Engines, and Avio Aero formalised their partnership to develop a next-generation engine for Europe’s future military helicopters.
• France’s aerospace, defence, and security innovation cluster SAFE signed a strategic partnership with the Garde nationale, focused on mobilising civilian resources to support national security objectives.
• GKN Aerospace extended its engine component repair contract with Pratt & Whitney to 2029 and expanded collaboration with Archer Aviation for eVTOL airframe components.
• Airbus, BoostAeroSpace, Collins Aerospace, Liebherr, and Thales launched DECADE-X, a nonprofit to develop a interoperable digital ecosystem for aerospace and defence.
• Leonardo and Bombardier Defence began exploring collaboration on maritime multi-mission aircraft.
• Safran and Bombardier signed a letter of intent to jointly develop defence technologies.
• Collins Aerospace Advanced Structures showcased innovations in lightweight, durable, and fuel-efficient materials.

DEFENCE & SECURITY

• Lockheed Martin showcased a 40 per cent year-on-year increase in tactical missile output, focusing on production and scale rather than prototypes. Its new “Joint Fires” architecture integrates sensors from platforms like F-35s and satellites with missile systems in real-time targeting networks.
• NHIndustries showcased the NH90 Multi Role Frigate Helicopter variant for the German Navy.
• Textron Aviation Defence and Thai Aviation Industries agreed to develop a sustainment programme for the Royal Thai Air Force’s T-6TH and AT-6TH Wolverine aircraft.
• Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo launched a study for the NH90 Block 2 upgrade, focusing on modular avionics and new capabilities.
• FN presented new external gun systems for Sikorsky HH-60W helicopters.

SUSTAINABILITY & FUTURE OF AIR TRANSPORTATION

At the 2025 Paris Air Show, sustainability was again in focus, integrating environmental goals into strategies, technologies, and investments. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) gained momentum with long-term supply deals, while partnerships like ATR-ATOBA and TotalEnergies-Quatra aligned supply chains for greener operations. Hydrogen technologies moved from labs to flight-testing, backed by UK government grants and industry collaborations. Public-private efforts, such as the launch of ARIS, underscored the need for cross-sector cooperation on zero-emission aircraft and digital airspace.

Highlights included a surge in fuel-efficient aircraft orders, Airbus’s unveiling of a 1.2 MW hydrogen fuel-cell system, and breakthroughs in electric and hybrid propulsion from companies like MagniX and ZeroAvia. Lockheed Martin Skunk Works is supporting Electra Aero’s hybrid-electric EL9 STOL aircraft. Beta Technologies’ Alia CX300 electric aircraft debuted, with Republic Airways set to use it for pilot training and route planning. Elfly’s Noemi electric seaplane moved closer to certification with a pre-application contract signed with EASA. Wisk Aero expanded its eVTOL air taxi partnerships to Miami and Kaga, Japan.

The 2025 Paris Air Show underscored the aerospace industry’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration. As new technologies transition from concept to reality, the event highlighted a dynamic future for both civil and defence aviation. Though geopolitical conflicts evidently influenced the tone of the show, it also highlighted global partnerships deepening through aviation. With significant commercial deals and pioneering demonstrations, the show reinforced its role as a catalyst for progress in the skies. Looking ahead, the advancements unveiled at Paris are likely to shape the trajectory of aerospace for years to come.

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