The Paris Air Show, one of the biggest events in the aerospace calendar, commenced on 17 June 2024, amidst heightened geopolitical tensions, the recent Air India tragedy, and a controversial Israeli presence.
Geopolitical Tensions
French authorities unexpectedly sealed off booths of Israeli defence firms at Le Bourget due to ongoing conflicts in Iran and Gaza—a decision condemned by Israeli leaders as “outrageous.” The Israeli President Isaac Herzog labelled the move as creating an “Israeli ghetto” at the fair.
- This year’s event showcases more than 2,400 companies from 48 nations.
- Major exhibitors include Israel Aerospace Industries, Rafael Uvision, and Elbit Systems.
- Local lawmakers protested against the Israel presence, coinciding with the remarks of French Prime Minister Francois Bayrou.
Impact of the Air India Crash
The catastrophic crash of an Air India-operated Boeing 787 Dreamliner shortly after take-off, which tragically claimed at least 265 lives, looms heavily over the show. Boeing’s CEO Kelly Ortberg nixed plans to attend, opting instead to focus on the ongoing investigation.
Aerospace Industry Landscape
Amidst the backdrop of military conflicts and the Boeing crisis, the commercial rivalry between giants Airbus and Boeing is still making headlines. However, according to Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury, this year’s fair is “much more complex” with multiple factors complicating the industry’s landscape.
Supply Chain Struggles
Both Airbus and Boeing have expressed concerns about lingering global supply chain issues affecting production. Airbus is currently facing bottlenecks due to a shortage of fuel-efficient engines for A320 jets.
Additionally, the aerospace sector is under strain from US trade policies, particularly import tariffs from the Trump administration, which threaten to escalate within the industry.
Increased Focus on Defence
Due to the current geopolitical challenges, the defence sector is garnering more prominence at the show. With European nations boosting their defence budgets, around 75 defence-related companies have joined this year’s event.
Notable exhibits include Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet and Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, a testament to changing priorities among aerospace firms.
As the Paris Air Show unfolds, industry leaders are not only showcasing innovations but also navigating a complex tapestry of geopolitical tensions, tragic events, and financial recovery strategies.