Airshow in Paris commences amidst shadows of Indian plane crash and Middle Eastern turmoil
Paris Airshow Kicks Off Amidst Shaky Ground
Monday marks the start of the Paris Airshow, typically a grand spectacle of aircraft orders and the latest advancements in aerospace technology. However, this year's show promises to be a somber affair.
In the limelight this year, geopolitical upheavals like the deadly Air India crash and escalating missile strikes between Israel and Iran have sent shockwaves through the global aviation industry.
Le Bourget Airport, the venue for the airshow, saw its tarmac lined with fighter jets, commercial airliners, and autonomous drones, as executives, officials, and delegates gathered to discuss the future of aviation. Yet, the mood appeared subdued due to last week's tragic air disaster.
The Air India Boeing 787 crashed shortly after takeoff, claiming over 240 lives. Investigators are working around the clock to gather data on the engine, wing flaps, and landing gear. However, it's too early to draw concrete conclusions, a source informed Reuters.
India's aviation regulator has ordered a safety check on the airline's 787 fleet, and the industry has been left reeling. The missile strikes between Iran and Israel, which erupted just a day after the Air India crash, have forced carriers to cancel or divert thousands of flights, adding further turbulence to travel in the region.
The aviation sector is also grappling with uncertainty over tariff policies. U.S. President Donald Trump's shifting tariff policies have disrupted global supply chains, hiked production costs, and strained international partnerships. As Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs approach a July 8 deadline, the industry is defending its previous tariff-free status.
Meanwhile, Boeing has cancelled the attendance of its CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope, as they focus on supporting the Air India crash probe. Boeing has scaled back its presence at the event, aiming for a low-key appearance. Despite this, a gleaming Riyadh Air 787 sits on the tarmac behind Boeing's chalet, serving as a silent testament to the planemaker's resilience after back-to-back crises.
Amidst all this, aircraft deals will still be announced at the show, with European politics playing a role in some discussions. Sources suggest that Poland is expected to announce Airbus as the winner of a landmark deal to sell around 47 A220 jets to its state carrier LOT, marking a reset in relations between Poland and France. Brazil's Embraer had vigorously pursued the deal, but parties remain tight-lipped about the matter.
Airbus is also favorited to secure an order for dozens of A220 jets from AirAsia. Airbus is offering a tighter 160-seat cabin layout for the deal while simultaneously showcasing a stretched version featuring existing Pratt Whitney engines. Boeing has shelved most announcements but had already been preparing for a quieter week than Airbus after pre-empting the show with big orders during Trump's recent Gulf visit.
Beyond aircraft deals, the airshow provides a platform for defence and space companies to showcase cutting-edge technologies such as AI and autonomy. The show serves as an opportunity for these companies to attract potential investors and customers amidst the backdrop of a rapidly evolving industry.
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- The escalating political tensions, such as the recent Air India crash and missile strikes between Israel and Iran, have created uncertainties in the global aviation industry, casting a shadow over this year's Paris Airshow.
- While the Paris Airshow has traditionally been a platform for discussing the future of the aerospace industry, this year's event also includes negotiations on tariff policies, particularly in response to US President Donald Trump's shifting tariff policies.
- Meanwhile, in the finance sector, Boeing has disclosed that its CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes boss Stephanie Pope will not attend the Paris Airshow as they focus on supporting the ongoing investigation into the Air India crash.
- Aside from aircraft deals, this year's Paris Airshow will provide a stage for defense and space companies to showcase advancements in AI and autonomy, aiming to attract potential investors and customers in the rapidly evolving industry.
