By Kamal Shah
At the very outset, many thanks to the French Ambassador to India, H.E. Thierry Mathou, for his support at Le Bourget and the warm and generous compliments he gave us in his message on LinkedIn. It gave IA&D a major boost, and thanks to the liberal endorsement, the special issue resonated well at the venue.
By that very token, we must also record our appreciation to the UP government and specifically the Content of the pages on the State so relevant to the world. It has to be said that the information given in the issue sparked great interest at the airshow.
Well into the five-day event for the flying faithful highlight was the GIFAS-FICCI development that caught attention. A week earlier, an agreement was signed by Frederic Parisot, CEO of GIFAS and Rémi Maillard, Chairman of FICCI Civil Aviation Committee and Chairman of Airbus India, under the senior patronage of Guillaume Faury, Chairman of GIFAS and CEO of Airbus, and the Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation of India, Shri Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu.
GIFAS had the honour of organizing the first India-France MRO & Civil Aviation Dialogue, in partnership with the civil aviation committee of FICCI. The event brought together major stakeholders from both countries’ aerospace industries to address key topics: the sector’s growth prospects in India, the challenges of maintaining civil aircraft, and opportunities for technological and industrial cooperation. With rising demand for MRO services, French expertise can play a strategic role in supporting India’s development through sustainable and innovative partnerships. By bringing together industry leaders from diverse domains—ranging from aircraft manufacturing and engineering to legal expertise and regional leadership, our event highlighted the shared commitment of the aviation community to drive progress. The substantive contributions of our speakers and partners fueled robust discussions, ultimately reinforcing the sector’s ambitions for innovation, safety, and sustainability. The speakers, participants and partners who extended their valuable contributions and shared commitment to advancing the future of civil aviation were Wouter Van Wersch – Airbus, Christophe Accolas – Safran, Sylvain Mounissamy – Air France Industries KLM Engineering & Maintenance, Thomas Got –Thales, Christian RICHARD- ABC Essais, Jetendra (JS) Gavankar – Safran India, Anand Shah – AZB & Partners, Rémi Maillard Airbus India & South Asia.
The Speakers also included Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Honourable Minister for Industries, Investment Promotion and Commerce, Government of Tamil Nadu, Venkata Rao Posino, CEO Dassault Aviation India, Arvind Mehra, Managing Director & CEO Mahindra Aerospace, Praveen PA, Director Aerospace & Defence, Government of Telangana, Simran Tiwana CEO Star Air.
Dr. T.R.B. Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Industries, promotes the state’s manufacturing prowess at the Paris International AirShow 2025. He emphasizes the need to enhance the aerospace and defence sectors, highlighting Tamil Nadu’s capabilities and workforce.
This recent airshow at Le Bourget underscored the vibrant and ever-evolving aerospace industry. The Paris Air Show has a rich history, dating back to 1909, making it one of the oldest air shows in the world.
Major aerospace companies like Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, GE Aerospace, SAFRAN THALES, CFM, Embraer, ATR, DE Havilland, HAL and Dassault Aviation were in attendance, unveiling exciting new aircraft and technologies. Airbus, for instance, used the show to highlight its A321XLR and A220 aircraft, which are designed to offer superior fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Boeing showcased its 737 MAX, emphasizing its advancements in aviation sustainability.
One of the most captivating features of the airshow was the aerial acrobatics performed by military and civilian aircraft. The Patrouille de France and the Blue Angels presented breathtaking maneuvers that left spectators in awe.
The introduction of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) was also heavily discussed, as they are seen as crucial in reducing aviation costs. Companies like Boeing and Airbus revealed their developments in urban air, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL).
In a move that is both ambitious and visionary, Bharat Forge Ltd., a preeminent player in India’s defence and manufacturing sector, has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with French defence powerhouse Turgis & Gaillard on the second day of the Paris International Airshow 2025. Together, they will co-develop and manufacture the cutting-edge AAROK Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAV in India—an inspiring stride forward for the Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) initiatives.
Col Sanjay Singh discusses the UP Defence Industrial Corridor at the Paris Air Show 2025, highlighting its growth since 2018. He emphasizes the government’s supportive policies, infrastructure development, and investment incentives to attract both Indian and foreign companies. The corridor aims to enhance India’s defence capabilities and promote “Make in India” initiatives.
An idea of things to come was reflected in the attention accorded to emerging markets, which took center stage, with several manufacturers from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East showcasing their offerings. These regions are seeing a surge in air travel demand, and companies are keen to establish a presence in these rapidly growing markets. Partnerships and collaborations were a recurring theme, with many exhibitors discussing joint ventures to expand their reach and capabilities.
Military aviation was another significant area of focus. Various defence manufacturers showcased advanced fighter jets, drones, and surveillance systems. The evolution of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) was a particularly hot topic, with several countries investing heavily in drone technology for both combat and reconnaissance purposes.
Intrinsic to all airshows are the sales deals. This event saw numerous airlines and leasing companies place substantial orders for new aircraft models. Airbus reported receiving a multi-billion-dollar order primarily for its A320 family, which promises fuel efficiency and lower operating costs. Similarly, Boeing secured significant orders for its 737 MAX, signalling confidence from airlines looking to expand and modernize their fleets.
Major leasing companies like AerCap and Avolon also announced significant deals during the show. AerCap, for instance, finalized a major agreement for delivery slots of next-generation aircraft, highlighting the ongoing demand for modern fleets amid recovering global demand. Regional aircraft also saw a resurgence as airlines look to cater to smaller markets. Companies like Embraer and Bombardier reported multiple orders for their E-Jet and CRJ series, respectively, underlining the importance of regional connectivity in post-pandemic recovery.
Companies like Pipistrel and Ampaire highlighted their electric and hybrid designs, securing interest from airlines interested in green technology.
It was a very satisfying week, and aviation experts, buffs and fans all had a great time.
