Paris Airshow 2025 – Day 1: Airbus and Embraer Steal the Spotlight

Paris Airshow 2025 – Day 1 Highlights: Major Orders, Defense Deals, and Industry Shifts

The 55th edition of the Paris Airshow kicked off on June 16, 2025, at Le Bourget Airport, France. Running until June 22, this premier global aerospace exhibition continues to draw top airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and defense operators from around the world. Known for being a high-stakes venue for major aircraft orders, the show began with strong momentum despite ongoing challenges facing the aviation industry.

A Strategic Hub for Global Aircraft Deals

The Paris Airshow is a crucial platform for airlines and lessors, not only to explore new fleet options but also to secure competitive pricing on large-scale aircraft orders. In 2023, the show saw deals exceeding $140 billion, and while the 2025 edition is also expected to witness robust activity, ongoing supply chain issues and production constraints may moderate the final tally.

Airbus and Embraer Dominate Day One

On the first trade day, Airbus and Embraer emerged as early leaders in terms of order announcements, while Boeing’s presence was relatively subdued.

• AviLease (Saudi Arabia) placed a major order with Airbus for 77 aircraft, including 22 A350 freighters and 55 A320neo family jets, with deliveries expected between 2030 and 2033. This deal is estimated to be worth around $3.5 billion.
• LOT Polish Airlines signed a deal for 40 Airbus A220s, with options for 44 more. Valued at approximately $1.6 billion, this marks LOT’s shift from Embraer to Airbus for regional fleet upgrades.
• Riyadh Air (Middle East) committed to 25 Airbus A350-1000s, with options for another 25, potentially bringing the total order to 50 widebody jets.
• All Nippon Airways (ANA) of Japan finalized an order for 15 Embraer E190-E2 aircraft with 3 additional options, becoming the first Japanese operator of the E2 family. ANA also confirmed an order for 27 Airbus A321XLR jets.
• Eve Air Mobility and Revo, on June 15 (a day before the show), signed a binding framework agreement for 50 eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft, expanding Embraer’s future-focused mobility footprint.

KC-390 Millennium – A Defense Highlight

Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium military transport aircraft also gained significant attention. The Portuguese Air Force announced a new commitment for a sixth KC-390, along with options for 10 more units. Though not yet a finalized order, the move reflects growing European interest in the aircraft. The NATO-certified KC-390 is already operational in multiple countries and is recognized for its tactical transport, cargo, and humanitarian mission versatility.

Embraer showcased the KC-390 to the press at the show, offering an interior tour and an in-flight demonstration to highlight its advanced features and operational capabilities. The aircraft’s role as both a commercial and defense platform is boosting Embraer’s presence at the event.

Boeing’s Quiet Start and Industry Focus Shift

Boeing’s absence from early order headlines has raised industry eyebrows. The absence of Boeing CEO Kelly Oerthberg, reportedly linked to the Air India Boeing 787 crash on June 12, may have impacted the company’s visibility at the event. Ongoing regulatory scrutiny and production delays are further weighing on Boeing’s momentum.

Meanwhile, the industry’s focus has notably shifted from simply amassing order volumes to tackling real-world challenges such as delivery timelines, manufacturing constraints, and supply chain resilience.

Outlook for the Coming Days

As the Paris Airshow 2025 continues, more updates and announcements are expected. While Day 1 has already seen major commercial and defense activity—mainly from Airbus and Embraer—the following days will reveal whether Boeing and other manufacturers can regain ground.

Stay tuned for ongoing coverage and insights from Le Bourget as the aviation world continues to shape its future under the spotlight of one of its most iconic events.