Paris Air Show 2025 turns in Airbus's favour with multi-billion dollar deals as Boeing reels from 787 Dreamliner crash fallout
The
Paris Air Show
, one of the biggest global events for the aerospace industry, is underway, but 2025's atmosphere feels different. While Airbus celebrated $21 billion worth of aircraft orders, rival Boeing maintained a quiet presence following the tragic
Air India Flight 171
crash, which killed over 270 people last week.
Airbus Takes the Lead With Major Orders
European aircraft maker Airbus signed multiple new deals at the show, including:
10 long-haul jets ordered by
Starlux Airlines
from Taiwan
2 A350 freighters ordered by MNG Airlines
6 A350-900 jets revealed to be ordered by EgyptAir
40 A220 aircraft for LOT Polish Airlines
Up to 150 single-aisle jets in a deal with VietJet
Big wins in Saudi Arabia, including orders from Riyadh Air and AviLease
In total, Airbus secured 148 firm orders worth around $14.2 billion, and another 102 provisional orders estimated at $6.7 billion, according to Cirium Ascend.
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Airbus's planemaking CEO, Christian Scherer, opened each announcement with condolences for the victims of the India crash. 'It is an air show with a regrettable tragedy that has affected all of us,' he told Reuters.
Boeing Holds Back Amid Grief and Investigation
In contrast, Boeing chose not to announce any major orders. The American company pulled back from its usual air show presence to focus on the investigation into the Air India crash.
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Top executives, including CEO Kelly Ortberg, cancelled their attendance, with a statement saying they needed to 'be with our team and focus on our customer and the investigation.'
At Boeing's booth, visitors noticed bouquets of flowers and a framed message that read: 'Honouring those affected by Air India Flight 171.'
Boeing's Turbo Sjogren said the tragedy had 'affected all of our employees,' describing the show's tone as 'very different' for the company.
Talks and Missed Deals
There had been rumours of a possible AirAsia mega deal at the show, with CEO Tony Fernandes saying discussions are ongoing to buy up to 70 A321XLRs and 100 A220s or Embraer E2 regional jets. However, the deal is likely to be finalised later, after AirAsia completes its financial restructuring.
Meanwhile, Embraer confirmed an order for 60 E175 jets from SkyWest Airlines, with rights to buy 50 more.
Supply Chain Issues Easing
Despite high demand, aircraft makers have been facing supply chain issues, especially with engine deliveries. Airbus said it has seen 40% fewer disruptions in early 2025 compared to the previous year.
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