By Chaitali Bag
The opening day of the Paris Air Show 2025 at Le Bourget Airport has set an ambitious tone for the aviation industry, with European giant Airbus announcing substantial orders that signal both innovation and fierce competition in the commercial aircraft market. The day was marked by two significant deals: LOT Polish Airlines’ decision to modernize its regional fleet with up to 84 Airbus A220 aircraft, and Japan’s ANA Holdings’ agreement for 27 A321neo Family jets. These milestones highlight Airbus’s strong market position and the industry’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and passenger experience.
LOT Polish Airlines’ A220 Acquisition: A Strategic Shift
LOT Polish Airlines’ selection of Airbus for its new regional fleet represents a transformative move for the Polish carrier. The firm order includes 20 A220-100s and 20 A220-300s, with an option for an additional 44 aircraft, making it one of the most significant regional fleet modernizations in Europe. The new aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines, are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2031, beginning with the A220-300s.
This decision is particularly noteworthy as it marks the first time LOT has incorporated Airbus aircraft into its fleet, departing from its previous reliance on Embraer jets. LOT’s president, Michał Fijoł, emphasized that this procurement is a forward-looking investment designed to secure the airline’s growth and competitive edge in the European market. The A220’s renowned fuel efficiency and passenger-centric design promise not only operational benefits but also an enhanced travel experience, with Polish-made Recaro seating and advanced connectivity features.
The immediate strategy involves replacing LOT’s existing Embraer E1s, later expanding to retire the E2s, thus enabling LOT to pursue network expansion and environmental goals. Airbus’s executive, Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, heralded the deal as a “historic milestone,” underscoring LOT’s entry into the Airbus family and their joint commitment to a seamless integration process.
ANA Holdings Expands with A321neo & A321XLR
In a parallel development, ANA Holdings of Japan solidified its partnership with Airbus by ordering 24 A321neo and three A321XLR aircraft, intended for both All Nippon Airways (ANA) and its low-cost subsidiary, Peach Aviation. This strategic acquisition will facilitate ANAHD’s fleet renewal, enabling capacity growth and route expansion with state-of-the-art, fuel-efficient narrowbodies.
The A321neo family, part of Airbus’s best-selling single-aisle range, boasts technologies such as new-generation engines, Sharklets, and reengineered cabins, offering more than 20% fuel savings and significant reductions in CO2 emissions compared to older models. The innovative A321XLR, meanwhile, introduces longer-range capabilities, opening new markets while delivering a 30% per-seat decrease in fuel consumption relative to previous generation competitors.
Koji Shibata, ANAHD’s CEO, highlighted the dual objectives of providing enhanced passenger service and achieving sustainability targets. With deliveries set to accelerate, ANA’s choice reinforces its longstanding relationship with Airbus, deepening mutual ties and reaffirming both companies’ dedication to environmental stewardship and operational excellence.
At the Paris Air Show 2025, Saudi Arabian startup Riyadh Air made a significant announcement by placing an order for up to 50 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. Widely anticipated within the aviation industry, this agreement consists of 25 firm orders and purchase rights for an additional 25 aircraft. The deal marks another milestone as Riyadh Air moves toward launching its commercial operations later this year, aiming to become a major player in international aviation.
Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, characterized the order as an “important statement of intent,” reinforcing the airline’s commitment to operational excellence and future growth. The Airbus A350-1000 was specifically chosen to optimize Riyadh Air’s fleet, aiming for efficiency and capacity while maintaining a simplified aircraft inventory. This strategic decision aligns with the airline’s ambitions to serve over 100 global destinations by 2030, supporting the broader objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative to transform the Kingdom into a global aviation hub.
The deal, formalized at a ceremony in Paris, was attended by key executives from both Riyadh Air and Airbus, reflecting the significance of this partnership. Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, underscored the honor of supporting Riyadh Air’s “bold vision,” emphasizing that the A350-1000 is well-positioned to deliver premium passenger experiences and advance operational standards.
Riyadh Air’s new order signals both its readiness to commence operations and its long-term strategic vision for growth. The partnership with Airbus not only demonstrates confidence in the A350-1000’s capabilities but also underscores Saudi Arabia’s determination to achieve its ambitious aviation goals by the end of this decade.
The Paris Air Show 2025 has commenced with clear signals of technological advancement, environmental responsibility, and intensified global competition. Airbus’s ability to secure substantial orders from two distinguished carriers—LOT Polish Airlines and ANA Holdings—attests to its leadership in delivering next-generation aircraft tailored to the evolving needs of airlines. These developments indicate a broader industry shift towards sustainable, passenger-focused operations, ensuring that commercial aviation is poised to meet the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade. The events of this opening day not only shape the strategic direction of the airlines involved but also set a benchmark for innovation and collaboration in the sector.
