By Aritra Banerjee
The highly-awaited Paris Air Show kicked off today at Le Bourget, just on the outskirts of the buzzing city of Paris. As the first show since 2019, it represents a pivotal industry resurgence after the worldwide disruption caused by Covid-19. The event is set to attract global attention from industry stakeholders, with an array of orders, letters of intent (LoIs), and memorandum of understanding (MoUs) anticipated to be penned during the proceedings.
Rewind to 2005, a seminal year for IndiGo Airlines, marking the bold order of 100 A320 aircraft during the Paris Air Show. Despite widespread scepticism due to the sizeable commitment made by the then-untested airline, IndiGo executed its order and proceeded to place further significant orders for around 500 aircraft, cementing its industry status.
Spectators eagerly anticipate grand displays prepared by leading aircraft manufacturers. Among them, Airbus, the European aerospace titan, is set to unveil its acclaimed A220, the A321XLR slated for a 2024 launch, and the in-service A321LR that has been instrumental in transatlantic travel for carriers like jetBlue. Furthermore, the addition of six A350-900 aircraft to Air India’s fleet, a showcase of helicopters and defence aircraft, will strengthen Airbus’s presence.
Meanwhile, ATR will spotlight its latest product, the ATR 72-600, favoured by Indian carriers such as IndiGo, flyBig, and Alliance Air. Embraer will look to woo attendees with the E195-E2, complemented by a display of its defence portfolio, featuring C 390 and Super Tucano airplanes.
Boeing, Airbus’s primary competitor, is set to present its anticipated 737-10 and 777-9 models. In addition, Boeing’s defence helicopters, including the renowned Chinook and Apache, will underscore their significance to the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operations.
Adding to the event’s appeal, the special livery of Riyadh Air on the 787 Dreamliner is expected to captivate spectators worldwide, emphasising the aircraft’s visual allure.
Qatar Airways is gearing to showcase the Airbus A350-1000, marking a significant milestone post an out-of-court settlement over a legal dispute involving paint quality.
Rumours abound that IndiGo may soon place another monumental order, potentially eclipsing Air India’s significant order earlier this year. Industry observers suggest that the airline might venture into widebody aircraft orders, hinting at aspirations for international expansion.
As Air India formalises its LoI with Boeing, industry experts are keenly watching the possibility of a collaboration with Airbus at the Paris Air Show, indicating future orders and setting the stage for deliveries expected in H2 2023.
The widebody aircraft question looms large over Indian aviation. With Airbus dominating the narrowbody market and Boeing claiming the widebody sector, IndiGo’s fleet comprises over 300 Airbus aircraft with a single Boeing unit. This single Boeing aircraft represents IndiGo’s tentative steps into widebody operations, raising questions about the airline’s strategy amidst historical challenges faced by low-cost carriers in integrating widebody aircraft.
In a matter of days, the Paris Air Show is set to illuminate these crucial developments, unveiling the latest milestones and ambitions within the aviation industry.
