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With an estimated $150 billion worth of contracts signed, the Paris Air Show’s return underlined the show’s significance as a catalyst for economic growth and industry development
After a four-year pause caused by COVID-19 pandemic, the highly anticipated International Paris Air Show returned with a bang. This edition was the 54th in its history, marking a significant milestone as it resumes at Le Bourget Parc des Expositions from June 19 to 25, 2023. Organised by SIAE, a subsidiary of GIFAS, the French Aerospace Industries Association, the show attracted aviation enthusiasts, industry leaders, and trade visitors from around the globe.
A record-breaking 322 official delegations from over 100 countries graced the show, including an impressive lineup of ministers, secretaries of state, and chiefs of staff.
With an exhibition space spanning 1,25,000 square meters, the show had about 2,500 companies representing 46 countries. Among them were 300 innovative start-ups, showcasing cuttingedge technologies and advancements in the aerospace industry. A total of 3,00,000 visitors attended the show, including 1,30,000 unique professional visitors (with 43 per cent of them being from outside of France) from all corners of the world. The show also opened its doors to the general public, welcoming 1,70,000 enthusiastic aviation enthusiasts who marveled at the aircraft displays and enjoyed the thrilling aerobatic performances.
During the event, an estimated $150 billion worth of contracts were signed, underlining the show’s significance as a catalyst for economic growth and industry development.
INVOCATING INNOVATION
The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, received a significant spotlight at the Paris Air Show (PAS). The 2023 Paris Air Show showcased the future of air transport, including the rise of eVTOL aircraft and the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation. It provided a platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among industry professionals, start-ups, and key stakeholders.
Volocopter’s 2X model opened the daily flying display, signaling the arrival of these revolutionary vehicles. Volocopter also successfully conducted its first flight trials in Saudi Arabia, receiving special flight authorisation in the Kingdom. Other prominent eVTOL companies, including Archer, Lilium, Eve Air Mobility, and more, showcased their innovations and future plans. Volocopter partnered with Germany’s ambulance group ADAC, potentially adding up to 150 VoloCity vehicles to its fleet.
Lilium announced plans to launch eVTOL flights in China’s Bao’an district and signed an agreement with Chinese operator Heli-Eastern for the purchase of up to 100 aircraft. Eve Air Mobility received orders for up to 150 new aircraft, including a letter of intent from Voar Aviation and a purchase agreement with Widerøe Zero.
The EcoPulse, a hybrid-electric technology demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran, and Airbus, made its public debut. The project aims to evaluate the advantages of a hybridelectric distributed propulsion system, including increased efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
SkyDrive, a Japanese electric aircraft developer, announced plans to manufacture its eVTOL air taxi in a factory owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation.
French aerospace and engineering group Turgis & Gaillard unveiled a new medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV at the Paris Air Show. VoltAero debuted the first full-scale prototype of its Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft at PAS. The Cassio 330, which can be configured with either four or five seats, will be the first of three hybrid-electric aircraft that VoltAero intends to produce for cargo, air taxi, and medevac applications.
Supernal, a Hyundai subsidiary dedicated to urban air mobility (UAM), announced two key manufacturing partners for its SA-1 eVTOL air taxi. GKN Aerospace has agreed to provide the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) and lightweight aerostructures for Supernal’s aircraft, while Qarbon Aerospace will use its advanced induction-welding techniques to assemble thermoplastic carbon-composite components for the SA-1. Wisk Aero will use Safran’s SkyNaute inertial navigation system for the four-passenger eVTOL air taxi it intends to operate fully autonomously. The Boeing-owned advanced air mobility company displayed what calls its Generation 6 eVTOL aircraft at Le Bourget.
Brazil’s Voar Aviation has signed a letter of intent to purchase 70 Eve eVTOL aircraft for operations across Brazil. Norwegian airline Widerøe’s sustainability division, Widerøe Zero, has agreed to buy up to 50 Eve eVTOLs following their collaboration at the 2021 UN Climate Conference. Nordic Aviation Capital, a global aircraft lessor, has placed a firm order for 15 Eve eVTOLs, with an option for 15 more. Eve has expanded its partnership with Blade Air Mobility to promote eVTOL integration in Europe.
Archer’s four-passenger Midnight turned heads as it made its international debut in Paris after a long trip from California. Lilium showcased a cabin mockup, demonstrating the passenger experience in its Lilium Jet capable of carrying six passengers up to 155 miles. Eve Air Mobility also presented its cabin mockup during its world tour. Other advanced air mobility companies present at the Paris Air Show included Ascendance Flight Technologies, AutoFlight, EHang, Supernal, Overair, Joby, and Wisk Aero. UrbanV and Lilium announced their collaboration to establish ground infrastructure for eVTOL operations in Italy and the south of France. Eve Air Mobility, backed by Embraer, announced new orders for up to 150 aircraft, expanding its total order backlog for the four-passenger air taxi to 2,850 aircraft.
Vertiport developer UrbanV will work with Lilium to establish ground infrastructure for eVTOL aircraft operations in Italy and the south of France.
Eve Air Mobility, an eVTOL developer backed by Brazilian aerospace group Embraer, has collected new orders for up to 150 new aircraft, bringing its total order backlog for the fourpassenger air taxi up to 2,850 aircraft, the company announced at the Paris Air Show.
DISPLAY DART
At PAS 23, the sky was filled with awe-inspiring displays as aircraft from various manufacturers took to the air, and some more stood tall at the static display. From fighter jets to helicopters and innovative commercial airliners, the displays showcased the cutting-edge technology and capabilities of the aviation industry. Let’s take a closer look at some of the remarkable aerial performances that captivated the audience at this prestigious event.
Eurofighter’s Typhoon performed an impressive flying display, demonstrating its agility and power.
Lockheed Martin’s F-35A defied gravity with its incredible maneuvers, showcasing its advanced capabilities.
NHIndustries NH90 helicopter took flight, showcasing its versatility and operational excellence as a joint venture between Airbus Helicopters and Leonardo.
The H665 Tigre armed reconnaissance helicopter impressed the crowd with its agility and combat capabilities, serving the French, German, Australian, and Spanish armies.
Boeing’s massive 777X demonstrated its maneuverability and innovative design in the flying display, while Boeing’s 737 MAX 10 soared through the sky, highlighting its performance and technological advancements.
With an exhibition space spanning 1,25,000 square meters, the show had about 2,500 companies representing 46 countries
The Airbus Helicopters H160 wowed the audience with its graceful movements and advanced features, setting a new standard in the helicopter industry.
ATR’s regional freighter variant of the 72-600, the -600F, showcased its cargocarrying capabilities and efficiency, serving the needs of FedEx Express.
Airbus unveiled the A321XLR airliner, presenting its long-range capabilities and enhanced payload capacity.
Dassault Falcon 6X made its debut in the flying display, impressing with its fly-by-wire technology and powerful PW812D engine, while Dassault’s Rafale fighter demonstrated its unmatched performance and agility, reaffirming its position as a top contender in the fighter jet market.
Embraer’s E195-E2 took flight, highlighting its fuel efficiency and passenger comfort with its powerful Pratt & Whitney PW1900G Geared Turbofans.
SUSTAINABILITY STEPS
At the Paris Air Show, a number of sustainable aviation initiatives were unveiled, demonstrating the industry’s dedication to cutting carbon emissions and embracing cutting-edge technologies. These initiatives are pushing the limits of sustainable aviation, from the construction of a new sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) manufacturing facility to the research and development of hydrogen propulsion systems. Let’s examine some of the major announcements made during this historic occasion.
A sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility will be constructed in Moses Lake, Washington, according to plans made public by Twelve Corporation, a clean energy start-up based in California. According to Washington State’s green power regulations, the facility will create its distinctive “E-Jet” fuel using carbon dioxide and renewable energy sources.
Safran Electrical & Power announced plans to set up production facilities in France for their EngineUs electric motors. Safran Electrical & Power declared its intention to set up production facilities in France and the UK for their EngineUs electric motors. From 2026 on, 1,000 motors are anticipated to be produced annually under the high-volume production model, with a concentration on serving the electric and hybrid aircraft sectors.
The auxiliary power unit (APU) in an A330 widebody aircraft could be replaced by a hydrogen fuel cell system, according to Airbus’ HyPower demonstrator programme. This cutting-edge architecture seeks to produce power while lowering traditional APUs’ CO2 emissions, nitrogen oxides, and noise levels.
The “SAF Dashboard,” developed by Boeing, is a tool for monitoring the expected supply of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) over the ensuing ten years.
The 2023 Paris Air Show showcased the future of air transport, including the rise of eVTOL aircraft and the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation
This straightforward dashboard compiles information on SAF capacity announcements internationally, allowing stakeholders to track and assess output levels necessary to meet the sector’s 2050 net-zero emissions target.
By contributing an additional $3,50,000 to the development of hydrogen propulsion systems by ZeroAvia, Washington State reiterated its dedication to this industry. The state’s expertise in environmentally friendly aircraft technologies will be further advanced thanks to this financing, which will support the expansion of research and development activities at Paine Field.
A RAIN OF DEALS, AGREEMENTS AND ORDERS
A backlog of airliners seems to be getting under action. Airliner backlogs continue to build back bigger at the Paris Air Show with more sales agreements signed. Much of the new business has come from carriers in Asia and the Pacific Rim, where the post-Covid travel bounceback is prompting fleet expansion. The pressing need to replace older aircraft with less fuel-thirsty models has proved to be another driver of deals signed here this week.
The largest single aircraft order ever placed by any airline with Airbus was made on by the Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo, who ordered 500 members of the A320 family. Delivery will start in 2030 and last until 2035. The order includes a mix of twinjet models A320neo, A321neo, and A321XLR.
Boeing and Akasa Air announced an order for four additional 737-8 jets.
India’s regional carrier, Star Air has leased four E175s in 2022 and two of them have started operations since May 2023.
Embraer has signed a long-term Pool Program services agreement with Star Air to support the airline’s growing E175 fleet. Embraer also announced that it has signed a multi-year contract extension with Amelia for the Pool Program. With this agreement, the customer will continue to receive support for a wide range of repairable components for the airline’s fleet of 13 ERJ. Embraer published its 20-year Market Outlook for commercial aircraft deliveries through 2042, forecasting 11,000 new jets & turboprops valued at $650 billion. Avolon, a leading international aircraft leasing company, has signed a sale and leaseback agreement with Porter Airlines for 10 new Embraer E-195-E2 aircraft, with a list price of $841.2 million. Republic Airways, one of the largest US regional airlines, has joined Embraer’s Energia Advisory Group. The Energia Advisory Group is a team of airlines, lessors, suppliers, and other aviation experts advising Embraer’s Energia project which is developing sustainable aircraft for the future. Embraer and the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) announced, that have commenced studies for a midlife upgrade (MLU) for the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft. Japan’s Nidec Corporation and Embraer announced an agreement to establish a joint venture company, called Nidec Aerospace LLC, to develop Electric Propulsion Systems for the aerospace sector.
Some more highlights from the Paris Air show 2023: