While it began with a significantly vibrant kick-start, things settled a few days in to the
54th edition of the highly-anticipated Paris Air Show. Displays were shown and products were flown,
and aircraft manufacturing giants like Airbus and Boeing certainly
walked away with expected substantial orders to add to their growing books.
With big events like these, it always seems ot be a competition between the two giants
to see whose products proved to be more popular. So who won higher stakes this time?
Let’s look at the results and perform some analysis of the outcomes for today’s video!
In terms of gaining the upper hand and getting the ball rolling during an initial slow start
on the first day, Airbus had a welcoming lead after flag carrier Air Mauritius clocked the
aircraft manufacturer's first order for three more A350-900s to join its fleet.
Commenting on the news, Mr Kresimir Kucko, CEO of Air Mauritius, stated:
"Air Mauritius is proud to renew its confidence in Airbus and its products,
continuing a three-decade long partnership. The additional A350-900 aircraft will help
us strengthen our European network and secure further growth in other markets.
We are looking forward to achieving our ambitious objectives together with Airbus,"
Then joining in on the ordering-action shortly after was Saudi low-cost carrier flynas,
which firmed an order for 30 new Airbus A320neo family aircraft.
Ten of these aircraft are expected to be A321XLRs,
providing the Saudi Arabian low-cost carrier with the necessary fleet to expand internationally.
And rounding off Airbus' first day in no small way was Indian budget carrier IndiGo. The airline,
headed by former KLM CEO Pieter Elbers, placed a record-breaking order for 500
Airbus A320neo family aircraft, making it the biggest aircraft order in history.
Commenting on the deal, Elbers said,
“It is difficult to overstate the significance of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus
A320 Family aircraft. An order book now of almost 1000 aircraft well into the next decade,
enables IndiGo to fulfil its mission to continue to boost economic growth,
social cohesion and mobility in India. At IndiGo, we take pride in being India’s
preferred airline for connectivity in and with India; and by doing so,
being one of the leading airlines in the world. This order strongly reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in
the growth of India, in the A320 Family and in our strategic partnership with Airbus.”
On day two, Philippine Airlines ordered nine Airbus A350-1000s, while Air India signed a
purchase agreement for the 250 aircraft it signed a letter of intent for in February.
Qantas would then wrap up the second day following suit and finalizing its
commitment for nine additional Airbus A220-300s.
The third day proved quieter for Airbus. Its order book saw a small boost for A330neos
after aircraft leasing giant Avolon signed for an additional 20 of the aircraft type.
Deliveries for these widebody aircraft are expected to begin in 2026.
TAAG Angola Airlines signed lease agreements for nine Airbus A220s with three lessors.
With no orders on day four, Airbus left this year's Paris Air Show with a total demand
for 821 aircraft. The total summary for the European aircraft manufacturer is as follows:
Nine AIrbus A220-300s were ordered by Qantas. A whopping 740 Airbus A320neo family jets ordered
between flynas, IndiGo, and Air India 20 Airbus A330neos ordered by Avolon
And 52 A350s committed through Air Mauritius, Philippine Airlines, and Air India
So while Airbus clearly clocked in some massive
aircraft orders from the Paris Air Show, how did rival Boeing fare?
Compared to its European rival, the US aircraft manufacturer breezed through
day one quietly and only saw action on day two,
when it logged its first order with China Airlines for eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
Aircraft lessor Avolon also scored a hat-trick
before lunchtime after firming an order for 40 737 MAX 8s.
"Today's announcement reaffirms our long-standing partnership with Boeing and our support for their
737 MAX program. We are confident in the long-term demand from our customers for the 737 MAX,
and this order extends our delivery pipeline out to 2030," said Andy Cronin, CEO, Avolon.
This second day also saw Air Algerie placing an order for eight Boeing 737
MAX 9s alongside a committing Memorandum of Understanding for a pair of 737 BCFs.
Air India wrapped things up by signing the purchase agreement for the 220
aircraft for which it signed a letter of intent in February.
Boeing notes that this is its largest order in South Asia and
highlights its 90-year partnership with Air India.
The order includes options for an additional 70 aircraft.
Day three would see Boeing bag more narrowbody orders after flag carrier
Luxair placed an order for four 737 MAX 7 aircraft. This would
see the airline become the launch customer of the type in Europe.
Indian low-cost carrier and relatively new startup Akasa Air would also boost
the manufacturer's numbers by placing a small order for an additional four 737 MAXs.
And with that, the orders for Boeing were concluded to 356 aircraft.
The summary and breakdown is as follows:
Two 737 BCFs were ordered by Avolon 296 Boeing 737 MAXs were ordered by Avolon,
Air Algerie, Air India, Luxair, and Akasa Air.
Air India committed to 10 Boeing 777Xs While China airlines took eight Boeing 787s
This brought Boeing’s total airframes ordered during the show to 316.
When comparing Airbus' total of over 800 aircraft orders to Boeing's sub-400, it is clear that the
European aircraft manufacturer takes the crown for the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show.
Of course, being considered the quote-unquote ‘winnter’ was only
made possible due to IndiGo's significant historical order.
At the same time, both manufacturers enjoyed equally impressive orders from Indian carriers,
further reaffirming the growing popularity and strength of the South Asian market.
And despite the significant difference, it is still reassuring to see both sides
securing blossoming business during the air show, especially in various global markets. Overall,
this year's air show was quite a blast, and it is a game of patience until the next one in 2025!
However, before that happens, the next big air show coming up will
be the Dubai Airshow, scheduled to take place between 13 and 17 November, 2023.
Would you agree with our assessment of
the Paris Air show? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment!