By Airbus locked in $21 billion worth of aircraft deals at the Paris Air Show this week, as per a Reuters report.
In contrast, Boeing opted against announcing any new sales, choosing instead to keep a low profile following the recent fatal crash of an Air India Boeing 787.
The European planemaker confirmed an order for 10 long-haul jets from Taiwan’s Starlux Airlines on Wednesday, adding to a string of announcements that included previously undisclosed commitments and new business.
In total, Airbus secured 148 firm orders valued at approximately $14.2 billion, along with 102 provisional orders worth an estimated $6.7 billion, according to figures from UK-based aviation consultancy Cirium Ascend.
Airbus builds momentum despite modest show
The 2025 edition of the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget was widely expected to be more restrained than previous years, partly due to Boeing’s reduced presence and recent major deals signed during US President Donald Trump’s trip to the Middle East.
However, Airbus maintained a steady flow of commercial announcements while publicly acknowledging the Air India tragedy.
“It is an air show with a regrettable tragedy that has affected all of us,” Christian Scherer, CEO of Airbus’s commercial aircraft division, told Reuters.
The company’s newly disclosed commitments included two A350 freighters for Turkey’s MNG Airlines and confirmation that EgyptAir was the previously unidentified buyer of six A350-900 wide-body jets.
Airbus also suggested confidence in market demand by flagging the potential for increased shareholder payouts.
The company noted that supply chain disruptions have eased significantly, with 40% fewer component delays reported since early 2025 across its production lines.
No AirAsia finale, but discussions continue
One deal that failed to materialize at the show involved AirAsia.
The low-cost airline had been expected to potentially make a high-profile announcement to cap off the event, similar to its aggressive fleet expansions in previous years.
However, Tony Fernandes, CEO of AirAsia parent Capital A Group, said a formal order would likely be announced in the coming months instead.
“We’re still doing a lot of work with Airbus and other [manufacturers]… I think we’ll look to do something imminently, in the next 1–3 months,” Fernandes told Reuters, while downplaying the likelihood of a Paris deal.
According to two industry sources cited by Reuters, Airbus had made a strong pitch to boost orders for its A220 jets and secure a launch customer for a new 160-seat variant.
However, talks reportedly hit a roadblock due to financing concerns. One of the sources said negotiations may resume in July, when Capital A expects to complete its restructuring process.
Boeing stays silent amid investigation
Boeing remained largely absent from the commercial spotlight at the show.
The US manufacturer scaled back its presence as it focused on the aftermath of last week’s deadly crash involving an Air India-operated 787 Dreamliner.
The incident has cast a shadow over the company’s public engagements and sales strategy during the event.
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