The Paris Air Show – Le Bourget opens its doors this Monday. All the major players in the industry will be there. Particularly for commercial aviation players, the 2025 Paris Air Show is expected, based on traffic forecasts, to be a major market: both employment and orders.
Organized for 115 years by SIAE, a subsidiary of the French Aeronautics and Space Industries Association (GIFAS), this 55th edition promises to be exceptional in several ways, according to the organizers: nearly 2,400 exhibitors from 48 countries, 70 hectares of space, more than 300,000 visitors, and 300 official delegations are expected.
For four days, the Paris region site welcomes trade visitors from around the world before the public opening days scheduled for the weekend.
It offers seven days of immersion in the heart of aeronautics and space innovation: four days reserved for professionals, followed by three days open to the general public. Canceled in 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the show, held every two years, reconnected with the public in 2023 and regained its former glory, amidst the resurgence of air travel.
Among the dignitaries present for this opening day was Prime Minister François Bayrou, who participated in the opening of the show with a traditional parade of French aircraft (A350, A400M, Rafale, Aura Aero, etc.).
The 2025 edition of Le Bourget is taking place in a unique context for one of the historic giants of aviation. Boeing is present with a stand and several aircraft on display, but the shadow of the recent accident involving an Air India 787 Dreamliner hangs over the American manufacturer.
It is uncertain whether this edition will be the same as previous ones. Indeed, it is uncertain whether Boeing will lead the battle against Airbus in terms of orders and purchasing intentions, as is customary at major international air shows.
Kelly Ortberg, CEO of the American giant, has canceled his visit to Paris. Despite this, American companies turned out in force at the Paris Air Show to voice their concerns about the impact of the Trump administration’s trade war.
In this regard, and within the show itself, the Paris Air Lab is back even stronger this year with an even more immersive, educational, and interactive experience, the organizers promise.
This year, the event will unveil how innovation, research, and emerging technologies (AI, virtual reality, cybersecurity, etc.) are supporting the sector’s ecological transition toward more sustainable air transport.
Prime Minister François Bayrou came to inaugurate the Paris Air Show 2025 this Monday morning. There was no official speech: the head of government attended an inaugural parade that opened with the Air Force and closed with a remarkable Rafale display.
Major Déborah Ferrand, a parachutist, performed a jump from an A400M. The Prime Minister will meet her a little later with the sponsors of the « Women in Aerospace » initiative, ahead of a day dedicated to promoting women in the sector on Friday.
François Bayrou is expected to visit the show again, where he is expected to be present in the « Avion des Métiers » hall, a meeting point between young people and the main recruiters in the French aerospace industry.
Another major challenge for the sector: improving its attractiveness to attract job seekers, particularly young people, at a time when there is a significant need to meet demand across all sectors.
Avion des Métiers returns for its 6th edition with a 3,000 m² space dedicated to young people, offering demonstrations, simulators, and the presence of professionals and schools dedicated to fostering careers.
The « L’Aéro Recrute » (Aero Recruitment) campaign, which brings together 150 companies with identified job offers, also features a new flagship location: the Terrasse de l’Aéro, designed as a space for guidance, inspiration, and coaching.
The Aérométiers association, the leading organization dedicated to promoting careers and training in the aeronautics sector, will also be present at the Avion des Métiers (Careers Plane) to provide information on careers and training in the aeronautics and space industries, air transport, and airports.
Air France will also implement a major initiative to inform young people and attract talent.
This year again, the French airline will be offering a wide range of positions and has provided TourMaG.com with the following information: for aircraft maintenance (mechanics, technicians, and engineers, with or without experience), more than 400 recruitments are planned to ensure the smooth running of the fleet.
Air France also plans to recruit nearly 250 pilots, some of which will be through its Cadet program, allowing a wide range of profiles—recent graduates, science students, or those seeking career change—to access this profession.
Finally, and to support the new generations, nearly 1,000 apprentices will join the airline to be trained for the jobs of tomorrow. During the days open to the public, « career » conferences (pilots, engineers, mechanics, etc.) will be offered at the Air France Industries stand.
The Middle East could once again be in the spotlight, following the impressive orders won by Boeing, with the Gulf airlines swinging back to Airbus with A350s and A320s.
An A321 XLR being used for flight tests, in the livery of Riyadh Air, the new Gulf airline expected to begin operations in a few months… The aircraft could perhaps appear at Le Bourget.
Riyadh Air has already ordered 60 A320neos. Indian airlines such as Air India and IndiGo were likely to confirm dozens of options already registered, but the Air India 787 disaster last Thursday will likely prompt these airlines to remain silent.
There was shock and astonishment this morning in Hall 3 of the Paris Air Show, as four stands belonging to Israeli companies—including Rafael Advanced Systems and Elbit Systems—were barricaded overnight, without anyone being aware of the situation. On site, two gendarmes from the SPI4G-CRS, or « 4th Generation Protection and Intervention Section » of the Republican Police Security Companies, guard one of the stands.
Shlomo Toaff, vice president of the Israeli defense contractor Rafael, was present at the scene, making no secret of his disappointment. « It happened overnight, without us being able to do anything and without being warned. And as you can see, it wasn’t done in a hurry, » he said, pointing to the sturdy wooden barriers covered with black cloth that had been erected in front of his stand. He said he was « outraged » and denounced the « astonishing decision taken by the French government, while Israel is currently fighting to save its hostages and fight against nuclear power. »
Elected officials from the Seine-Saint-Denis department were not present at the head of government’s arrival, protesting the presence of Israeli companies, even though Israel has just launched an offensive against Iran and remains at war with Hamas following the October 7, 2023, attack launched by the Palestinian Islamist movement.
Accusations of genocide and war crimes against Israel are mounting, coming from UN experts, human rights groups, and a growing number of countries. Israel rejects them. Chief Rabbi of France Haïm Korsia was present, however, alongside Ministers Sébastien Lecornu (Armed Forces) and Éric Lombard (Economy), as well as Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Thierry Burkhard.
Haïm Korsia, invited as a former Air Force chaplain, declined to comment on the controversy surrounding Israel’s presence, which has been heavily criticized, even to the point of being the subject of legal action. On Tuesday, the Bobigny District Court rejected the request of associations asking it to ban these companies on the grounds of the risk of perpetuating international crimes. The decision was subsequently upheld by the Paris Court of Appeal.
Guillaume Bourdeloux, the Show’s Managing Director, gives a preview of the 55th edition, alongside Rémy Bonnery, Senior Partner at Archery Strategy Consulting.
The largest international trade show in the sector is also a showcase for new players from around the world. In addition to the show’s regulars (the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and Belgium are the most represented exhibitors), large delegations are expected from South Korea, China, and India.
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