PARIS: Le Bourget was the venue where week-long 55th edition of Paris Air Show was officially opened by French Prime Minister François Bayrou on 16th June.
President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron visited the event on 20th June. He also toured Paris Space Hub.
2,200 accredited journalists converged from 67 countries at the Media Center to report the world’s largest biennial rendezvous of Aviation and Space Industry.
When Pakistan Air Force (PAF) reported it had shot down three Indian-Air-Force-operated Rafales, aficionados were expecting the debut of Chinese fighter jets. But in the absence of Sino hardware, Rafale flew high at the 55th Paris Air Show.
Impressive Rafale pavilion harbored models of its avion mentioning the countries operating them. Enthusiasts were provided an opportunity to experience the sensation of operating the French Jet by means of simulators.
Rafale-Killer J-10 and MIG-Hunter JF-17 Missing: Chinese fighters J-10, equipped with PL-15 missiles, [that suddenly perched at the pinnacle of stardom when PAF reported shooting down six Indian Air Force jets (including 3 Rafales), utilising those] were missing.
Only small models of J-10 and JF-17 Thunder were displayed alongside other maquettes. When Newspakistan.tv asked the officials of AVIC Chengdu Aircraft Industrial Group, they pointed towards challenges of transporting jets.
Reason could be, since when Paris Air Show organisers were asking countries about their products to be displayed, J-10 was a non-entity. And thus China did not think of its aerial or static display.
Moreover, the planning for the Salon is finalised months in advance. Hence, one cannot induct a new jet for aerial/static displays at 11th hour.
Since J-10 became famous on 7th May, logistically and administratively it could not have been inducted in the défilé aérien.
Dassault Aviation Chairman & CEO Eric Trappier, while talking to journalists at a Presser held on 15th June, contested Pakistan’s claim of shooting down three IAF-operated Rafales using PL-15 missiles fitted on Chinese fighter jets J-10. According to him, India lost one Rafale jet due to technical failure, during a training flight at an altitude of twelve thousand meters, sans any engagement with enemy.
300,000, including 300 official delegations, from all over the globe visited the 55th Paris Air Show that attracted 2400 exhibitors from 48 countries. 155 aircraft were presented at the static display while 174 aerial demonstrations were performed.
Manufacturers of civil and military aircraft use Paris Air Show as a platform to disclose purchase orders, after months of negotiations.
Airbus signed orders worth 21 billion US dollars, as Boeing decided not to announce any agreement, following crash of Air India-operated 787 Dreamliner on 12th May. Overall, 600 aircraft were sold.
Traditionally, for decades, Paris Air Show focused on Commercial Aircraft, but during the 55th Salon du Bourger 45% of the concentration was on military hardware. It was because European countries have now opted to augment the defence budget and stop relying on others.
It may further be noted that the 55th Edition of Salon du Bourget was staged at a point of time, when Russia-Ukraine-Israel-Iran-Hamas/Palestine conflicts are going on unabated.
French Govt had ordered Israeli defence companies to remove offensive weapons from their static display. But since they failed to obey, organizers placed black panels to block their stands harboring military hardware.
IAI’s President/CEO, Boaz Levy lamented: “Following decades of participation in the Paris Air Showand discussions withthe French authorities, we received all of the authorizations to participate in the Airshow and have done everything they requested from us.
“Last night, after our booth was set up and ready for the show, we were asked to remove some of our systems from the booth. We tried to negotiate with them, but it seems these orders came from the highest levels in Paris, and this morning, …
“when we arrived at our booth, we were shocked to find out that we were blocked by black walls built overnight, which reminds us of the dark days of when Jews were segmented from European society.“
Nevertheless, Prime Minister of France François Byrou justified the move by citing his country’s diplomatic choices and great concerns about Gaza.
Ewen McDonald, Chief Customer Officer (civil aerospace) of Derby-based engine-makers, while talking to Media here has said that the multiple contracts to supply 140 aircraft engines secured at Paris Air Show, would support the firm safeguard jobs.
Turkey was conspicuous among other military hardware manufacturers. Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace (TAI), informed about ongoing negotiations with a number of countries (including Indonesia) who were interested in buying their next generation fighter jet KAAN.
Embraer, on the last business day, bagged an order for 60 E175 plus options for 50 more from SkyWest Airlines.
After an absence of one-n-a-half decades, Emirates (globally acclaimed as the world’s largest international airline,) exposed latest avion A350 featuring next-generation interiors and technologies etc.
President of Emirates Airline, Tim Clark, maintained: “We’re pleased to be at the Paris Airshow, showcasing the very best of air travel on one of the most important platforms in the aerospace exhibition calendar.
“Coming back to France’s most important aerospace show demonstrates how committed Emirates is to supporting the country’s aviation industry – not just through our day-to-day operations, but through ongoing investments across the entire aerospace supply chain.”
Though Boeing opted not to announce contracts signed (in respect for those who lost their lives), it might be recalled that US President, during his Qatar visit, had brokered an agreement for 210 Boeings that will also ensure employment for 400,000 Americans.
Donald Trump and Amir Sk. Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani witnessed the ceremonial signing of the Qatar Airways’ biggest purchase. The 130 787s and 30 7777X is also a record-breaking widebody order for the avion’s American manufacturers.
Qatar Airways Group CEO Engr. Badr Mohammed Al-Meer maintained: “We are happy to announce our agreement with Boeing and our partnership in the largest aircraft order in our history.“
Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, held: “We are deeply honored that Qatar Airways has placed this record-breaking order with Boeing, one that solidifies their future fleet with our market-leading widebody airplane family at its center.
“Our team is looking forward to building 787s and 777s for Qatar Airways into the next decade as they connect more people and businesses around the world with unmatched efficiency and comfort.”
Newspakistan.tv
