Paris concluded the 55th edition of its world-renowned Paris Air Show, held from June 16 to 22, 2025, at the Le Bourget Exhibition Centre in the northern outskirts of the French capital. The landmark event attracted nearly 2,400 exhibitors representing 48 countries, along with hundreds of official delegations, cementing its status as one of the world’s largest gatherings dedicated to aviation, aerospace, defence, and advanced technology sectors.
With a legacy dating back to 1909, the Paris Air Show continues to serve as a premier global platform for unveiling the latest breakthroughs in both civil and military aviation. The event fosters vital connections between startups and major manufacturers, offering unparalleled opportunities to forge strategic partnerships and explore avenues for international industrial cooperation.
This year’s edition witnessed overwhelming interest from industry professionals, decision-makers, and experts. Major deals and orders were announced during the show, with contracts reportedly exceeding tens of billions of dollars, according to statements from organisers and participating companies.
A notable highlight of the 55th edition was the strong presence of companies specialising in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and environmentally friendly technologies. This reflects the global aviation industry’s accelerating shift towards sustainable and green systems.
Defence Deals and Capabilities
Beyond its focus on civil aviation, the Paris Air Show also served as a critical hub for global defence procurement officials and representatives from ministries of defence. Exhibitors showcased cutting-edge military technologies, including advanced anti-aircraft missile systems, air defence platforms, electronic warfare capabilities, and combat drones.
The event drew significant participation from defence institutions and nations seeking to bolster their aerial and technological capabilities. This reinforced the show’s pivotal role as a platform for concluding strategic defence agreements and exchanging expertise in the defence manufacturing sector.
Spectacular Aerial Displays
One of the show’s most anticipated features—the live aerial displays—captivated a large audience, featuring exhilarating performances by both military and civilian aircraft, cargo drones, and helicopters. Aerobatic demonstration teams delivered breathtaking displays of precision and skill, thrilling the more than 300,000 visitors who attended the public days of the event.
Accompanying Events and Workshops
On the sidelines of the exhibition, a series of specialised conferences and workshops addressed the latest developments in electric propulsion systems, hybrid aircraft, and the future of air travel. Discussions also explored the challenges of supply chain management in the aviation industry. These sessions brought together global experts and researchers to share insights on innovation, sustainability, and financing in the defence sector.
Emirates Airline Marks Its Return
In a major highlight for the Arab aviation sector, Emirates Airline made a much-anticipated return to the Paris Air Show after an absence of over 15 years. The carrier unveiled its latest Airbus A350 aircraft during the event.
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, affirmed the company’s ongoing commitment to advancing the aviation sector—not only through its daily operations but also via substantial investments in next-generation aerospace technologies. He further emphasised Emirates’ role in expanding cooperation with France, particularly through its contributions to supply chain development and innovation initiatives.
By: Razi Izzeddin El-hadmi
