Le Bourget, Paris, France 18-25 June 2023
Report by Peter Davison & Colin Coulthard
This spectacular showcase of world aviation, returning after the pandemic, never fails to impress. This year just arriving on time was an issue with almost no car parking due to a new rail station being constructed on site for the upcoming Olympic Games. Once there though there was ample reward for the effort. The environment was centre stage with new initiatives and stories of the potential impact on the industry of electric power, new materials and fuels struggling to ‘make a difference’. This had no effect on airline orders with massive contracts announced for over 700 new airliners for delivery well into the 2030s.
As ever, the major players were predominant. Boeing showing their 777-900 which still has parked examples awaiting delivery; built a few years ago, 787 structures still sorting safety issues and the MAX 10 with the inherited certification delays from the long lasting MAX crisis. The two examples on show were impressive but the cash flow from non-deliveries must be a nightmare for the Company; now even more reliant on military contracts.
Airbus, however, is having a good time with the A321XL gathering orders from former 757 and 767 customers alongside the other popular narrow-bodies and the A350 and 330neo doing well. It is hoped that the green issues make progress so long term deliveries can be honoured – the world is changing fast.
Embraer demonstrated the latest version of the popular 195-295 commuter airliner which now has a firm hold with the US majors; replacing Bombardier regional jets across the world.
On the military front the Rafale, Typhoon and F-35 were all gathering orders particularly as Nations boost there armouries in this period of unnecessary war in Europe. SAAB was notably absent so no Gripen on show. Transports, however, were present with the established A400 now in service across Europe though the Brazilian KC390 is an attractive competitor at the slightly smaller end of the market. Examples from Brasil and Portugal graced the static park.
Gulfstream and Dassault were the only business jet majors on show following the extensive EBACE exhibition at which all were present. This community, sensitive to the environmental issues, seem to be grasping the nettle though much of the recent growth relates to the problems and delays affecting ‘first class’ in the commercial market still suffering staff shortages and baggage delays.
Smaller types and drones are evolving rapidly with many concepts and a few real airframes on show. Some of these are modified existing types like the Twin Otter and Let 410 but new build lightweights still jostle for investment. An interesting development is the new Dart 750 from Diamond in Austria aimed at the Pilatus PC-21 market; judging by their success in the club/trainer sector this will be an interesting addition to the marketplace.
On the rotary front the military types dominated, mainly from the US military and Leonardo as nations replace older variants. Rotors also appeared on a number of concept craft. As with last year’s Farnborough show the Turkish Industries showed some full scale ideas in response to their isolation following the stop on F-35 deliveries and a need to become more self sufficient.
To conclude, another memorable show though a resolution to the Ukraine conflict and a more unified international response to the growing environmental concerns is needed if the 2025 is to add industrial confidence in this industry reliant on long term plans and investments.
