Mirror Review
June 16, 2025
Summary:
- The 55th Paris Airshow begins amid heavy concerns, notably the recent Air India Boeing 787 crash that killed over 240 people.
- Global conflicts, especially in the Middle East, are increasing the Paris Airshow concerns, with defense deals and supply chain issues in focus.
What Exactly is the Paris Airshow?
The Paris Air Show, officially known as the Salon International de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace de Paris-Le Bourget, is the world’s largest and longest-running aerospace trade fair.
Every two years, aviation giants, startups, defense contractors, and space tech leaders gather at Le Bourget Airport near Paris. Here, they reveal cutting-edge technologies, forge crucial deals, and thrill crowds with stunning flying displays.
The initial days of the show are strictly business, reserved for industry professionals and government delegations to network, negotiate, and finalize significant aircraft deals.
After that, the doors open to the public, who get to explore military and commercial aircraft up close, enjoy breathtaking airshows, and learn about the latest breakthroughs in aviation and space.
The Paris Airshow 2025 edition runs from June 16 to 22.
The 2025 Airshow Opens With Heavy Concerns
The 55th Paris Air Show commenced with a tense atmosphere this year.
Instead of celebrating freely, certain Paris Airshow concerns are causing turbulence at the event. Foremost among them are the recent tragic Air India Boeing 787 crash and escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
Now, as jets take off and contracts unfold, you have to wonder: Can the industry celebrate progress when tragedy and unrest dominate the headlines?
The Tragic Air India Crash
Just last week, an Air India Boeing 787 crashed, tragically claiming over 240 lives with it.
As Boeing executives walk the grounds of Le Bourget, the incident undoubtedly remains the elephant in the room.
The investigation into the plane’s engine, wings, and landing gear has just begun. While no blame has been assigned yet, the incident has cast a dark cloud over Boeing’s presence at the show.
For Boeing, the pressure is immense.
While the Paris Air Show traditionally serves as a platform for securing huge aircraft orders and strategic partnerships, Boeing finds itself in a more defensive position. The company’s immediate priority shifts to reassuring its partners and the public.
In a clear strategic move, Boeing has notably scaled back its presence — a clear sign of its shift from promotion to damage control.
Yet, in an industry where image is everything, how does a company engage in multi-billion-dollar deal discussions when one of its flagship planes is subject to a horrific investigation?
Global Conflicts Shake the Aviation Sector
It isn’t just the crash that’s causing turbulence. The escalating conflict between Israel and Iran also carries very real consequences for the aviation sector and travel.
Each missile strike reverberates through the region, pushing up oil prices – a direct hit to airline operating costs – and forcing carriers to reroute flights to avoid danger zones.
This often leads to longer, more expensive journeys and cascading delays that ripple across global travel networks.
So, while executives discuss deals worth billions, the very foundation of their business—affordable, predictable air travel—is being shaken by events happening thousands of miles away.
Airbus vs Boeing: More Than Just Orders
Even with all this unease, business is still business. The rivalry between the two giants, Airbus and Boeing, is as intense as ever.
- Airbus, the European consortium, seems to be flying high. They are expected to announce a massive order from Poland, signaling strong European ties.
- Boeing, however, enters the show defensively. The recent crash and past issues with the 737 MAX force the company to focus on restoring confidence, not just winning orders.
This year, the competition isn’t just about who sells more planes. It’s now about which manufacturer can offer greater reassurance, more stability, and a more certain vision for the future in these increasingly uncertain times.
So, What’s the Real Story in Paris?
The 55th Paris Air Show this year continues its long-standing tradition, but with a different tone.
The aerospace sector is once again reminded of the critical balance between technological advancement, global peace, and human safety.
As we watch the thrilling aerial displays, it’s easy to get lost in the spectacle.
But perhaps the real story of this Paris Air Show isn’t about the new aircraft or the record-breaking orders.
As the world watches, the core question remains: Can aviation keep celebrating breakthroughs while safety concerns and global unrest threaten its foundation?
