Paris Air Show 2025: Innovation, Orders, and Tension Hover Over Le Bourget

The aviation world has once again descended upon Le Bourget for the 2025 edition of the Paris Air Show, running from June 16 to June 22. Held biennially, this iconic event is one of the largest and most influential showcases in the global aerospace industry, rivaled only by the Farnborough Airshow. While the first four days are reserved for trade professionals, the weekend will see the public flood the grounds to glimpse the future of flight. With more than 2,400 exhibitors from 48 countries and over 300,000 expected attendees, the stage is set for aircraft unveilings, mega-orders, and geopolitical theater.

Yet the skies are not entirely blue this year. The event opens under the shadow of last week’s fatal Air India 787 Dreamliner crash that killed over 240 people. Boeing (BA), already grappling with production delays and regulatory scrutiny, is notably absent from the opening, with CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes head Stephanie Pope opting out to focus on the investigation. Their scaled-back presence contrasts with Airbus’ (OTCPK:EADSF) assertive push on home turf, underscoring a narrative shift in the long-running transatlantic aerospace rivalry.

On day one, Airbus wasted no time. Saudi Arabian leasing firm AviLease placed a blockbuster order for 30 A320neo jets and 10 A350 freighters—an $8 billion deal and a major boost to Airbus’ freighter ambitions. Meanwhile, Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) became the first operator of Embraer’s (ERJ) E190-E2 in Japan with a firm order for 15 aircraft and options for five more. They also confirmed an order for 27 Airbus aircraft, including three long-range A321XLRs, as part of a wider fleet modernization effort.

Aircraft orders are a core feature of the Paris Air Show, but make no mistake—these deals are planned months in advance. The event provides a glittering venue for ceremonial signatures, photo ops, and “we’re open for business” messaging. Aviation intelligence group IBA expects as many as 800 aircraft orders during the show, though many analysts expect a quieter year than 2023 given macro headwinds, Boeing’s crisis, and the recent flurry of Middle East deals timed with President Trump’s regional tour.

That doesn’t mean the show is short on buzz. U.S. startup JetZero has attracted attention with its radical blended-wing design, targeting a test flight by 2027. This “flying triangle” represents a potential leap forward in fuel efficiency and aircraft design, drawing comparisons to stealth bombers more than traditional jets. Meanwhile, Airbus is showcasing its ramp-up strategy, including the transformation of its former A380 factory in Toulouse into a high-tech A321 assembly line. With supply chain snags still dogging its narrowbody program—particularly around CFM engines and cabin fittings—Airbus is walking a tightrope between production ambition and logistical reality.

Boeing, despite its subdued presence, remains a key name to watch. The company still holds an order backlog of over 6,500 aircraft, though its delivery timelines remain a sticking point. The recent Air India crash will overshadow its commercial narrative, and competitors are already seizing the PR advantage. Nonetheless, the long-term fundamentals of global air travel remain in Boeing’s favor, as its VP of Commercial Marketing Darren Hulst reiterated pre-show: the industry has tripled in size since 2000, and the need for fleet renewal remains acute.

Beyond Airbus and Boeing, several other aerospace stocks warrant attention. Embraer (ERJ) is riding high on regional jet momentum, with the E2 family gaining traction in Asia. Lockheed Martin (LMT) is making a splash on the defense side with its F-35 fighter, while France’s Dassault (OTCPK:DASTY) showcases its Rafale amid rising European defense budgets. Honeywell (HON), which has signaled its interest in European M&A, is a key player in avionics, thermal management, and control systems—all areas getting a boost from rising military investment.

Also in the spotlight is Archer Aviation (ACHR), which just announced a capital raise to support its eVTOL ambitions. The company, aiming to deploy electric air taxis at major U.S. airports, is set to meet with investors in Paris and may benefit from the show’s broader focus on futuristic mobility solutions. Canaccord analysts remain bullish, noting that the capital injection gives Archer a longer manufacturing runway and positions it as a frontrunner in the nascent urban air mobility sector.

The show isn’t without geopolitical friction. France’s decision to shut down four Israeli defense company stands for displaying offensive weapons has sparked outrage from Israel and criticism from U.S. officials. As war rages in Ukraine and Middle Eastern tensions escalate, defense has taken up an increasingly prominent share of the event footprint. Saab’s AI-powered Gripen demonstrations, in partnership with AI startup Helsing, show how software and automation are redefining air combat, blending manned and unmanned capabilities.

In the end, the Paris Air Show is as much a barometer of global aerospace health as it is a spectacle. While a pall has been cast by tragedy and trade tensions, the industry’s core narrative remains intact: demand is strong, innovation is surging, and the race for market share is as fierce as ever. Investors should keep an eye not only on the usual suspects like Airbus and Boeing, but also on secondary names in defense, regional jets, and next-gen mobility platforms. The aviation industry is, quite literally, trying to fly above the noise.

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