Paris Air Show 2025 Day One

Key Points Summary

• Event Overview: The first trade day of the Paris Air Show 2025 opened with sunny weather, but Israeli exhibitors faced restrictions due to the Israel-Iran conflict.
• Airbus Orders: Airbus secured 132 firm orders from four customers, including significant orders from AviLease, Riyadh Air, ANA Holdings, and LOT Polish Airlines.
• UK Green Funding: The UK government announced over £250m in funding for green aerospace projects, supporting initiatives from companies like Rolls-Royce and Airbus.
• Dassault's Stealth Drone: Dassault unveiled a 1:1 scale model of a new stealth combat drone, optimized for use with Rafale fighters, amid discussions about Rafale's performance in recent conflicts.
• BETA Technologies: BETA showcased its Alia eCTOL aircraft, emphasizing a step-by-step approach to urban air mobility, focusing first on cargo before passenger applications.
• Rolls-Royce Strategy: Rolls-Royce CEO defended the decision to exit electric aviation R&D, citing high costs and regulatory challenges, while focusing on hybrid propulsion systems.
• Nanosatellites for Climate Research: Paris Region AS Tech presented its UVSQ-SAT NG nanosatellite, part of a project aimed at climate research and Earth observation.
• MBDA's One Way Effector: MBDA introduced the One Way Effector, a low-cost solution for saturating enemy defenses, developed in response to lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict.
• Pratt & Whitney's HS+ Upgrade: Pratt & Whitney announced the Hot Section Plus (HS+) upgrade for PW1100G-JM engines, nearly doubling their time on wing.
• Kratos Expansion: Kratos Defence announced the creation of up to 60 new jobs in Oklahoma for the production of next-generation engines.
• Airline CEOs' Call for e-SAF Funding: Over 30 airline CEOs urged European governments to fund an e-SAF pilot auction to stimulate the sustainable aviation fuel market.
• Airbus and Quantum Systems Partnership: Airbus signed an MoU with Quantum Systems to integrate tactical aerial reconnaissance into modern command systems.
• Galileo Navigation System: Discussions at the ESA stand focused on the future of the Galileo satellite system and its adaptability to changing requirements.
• F-35 Updates: Lockheed Martin provided updates on the F-35 fighter, highlighting the anticipated Block 4 upgrade and its capabilities.
• Anduril's Fury Drone: Anduril debuted its Fury combat drone, designed for collaborative combat operations with advanced AI capabilities.
• De Havilland Canada Orders: De Havilland Canada announced a Dash 8-400 sale to Barrick Gold and confirmed intent for three aerial firefighting aircraft.
• ATR and Pratt & Whitney Collaboration: ATR and Pratt & Whitney Canada announced a partnership to develop advanced propulsion technology for low-emission turboprop aircraft.
• CAE Aviation Talent Forecast: CAE projected a need for 1.5 million new civil aviation professionals over the next decade, emphasizing the need for improved training environments.
• Leonardo and Baykar Joint Venture: Leonardo and Baykar announced a joint venture to produce UAVs in Italy, integrating Leonardo's sensors.
• GKN's Cryogenic Technologies: GKN Aerospace is collaborating with Airbus on cryogenic technologies for hydrogen-powered flight.
• General Atomics and Saab Partnership: General Atomics announced a partnership with Saab to develop AEW&C capabilities for the MQ-9B UAV.
• Greenerwave's SATCOM Technology: Greenerwave and Safran announced research into a new SATCOM terminal for improved in-flight connectivity.
• Pratt & Whitney Sales Agreements: Pratt & Whitney secured maintenance agreements with Cebu Pacific and Frontier Airlines for GTF engines.
• Structural Batteries Development: The Structural Battery Company is advancing structural battery technology for aerospace applications in partnership with Hyperbat.

Summary

The first day of the Paris Air Show 2025 featured significant developments in the aerospace industry, including Airbus securing 132 firm orders from various airlines, and the UK government announcing over £250m in funding for green aerospace initiatives. Dassault unveiled a new stealth drone, while BETA Technologies showcased its Alia eCTOL aircraft, emphasizing a cautious approach to urban air mobility. Rolls-Royce's CEO defended the company's exit from electric aviation R&D, focusing instead on hybrid propulsion. Other highlights included advancements in nanosatellite technology for climate research, the introduction of MBDA's One Way Effector, and partnerships aimed at enhancing UAV capabilities. The day also saw discussions on the future of the Galileo navigation system and the anticipated Block 4 upgrade for the F-35 fighter. Overall, the event underscored the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability amidst ongoing geopolitical challenges.

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