Helicopters, Rafale fighter jets and the latest Airbus A321
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The first edition of the biennial event since 2019 has a new focus on defense, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and industry's efforts to reduce its carbon footprint. French President Emmanuel Macron arrived at the airport in a helicopter that uses 30% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The Le Bourget show, the largest in the world in terms of number of visitors, estimated at 320 thousand, is usually marked by announcements of major purchases, demonstration flights and technological presentations. IndiGo made the main announcement on the first day, with the order for 500 Airbus A320neo and A321neo for a total catalog value of 55 billion dollars (R$263 billion), although actual sales prices are usually lower.
The order for these devices, which will be delivered between 2030 and 2035, represents a historic step for both companies, highlighted the general director of IndiGo, Pieter Elbers, whose company hopes to take advantage of the increase in flights in India.
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– Ecological 'sobriety' –
Boeing and the European Airbus are in the spotlight, especially at this time, when global air traffic is on track to return to pre-covid levels and companies are looking to renew their fleets with more profitable planes with fewer CO2 emissions.
For 14 NGOs, however, the event, which ends next Sunday, illustrates “climate denial”. “Without limiting air traffic, we will not be able to sufficiently reduce emissions, noise or pollution in the time available.”
QuestionIn response to requests for a reduction in aircraft seats for environmental reasons, the French head of state defended a “reasonable” and “non-punitive” ecological “sobriety” and considered it “unwise to give up growth”.
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The conflict in Ukraine has also spurred countries to increase their military spending. Ukrainian military personnel toured the huge event space, from which Russia was excluded, and photographed some of the missiles on display.
The Le Bourget show provides a forum for announcing deals with around 2,5 companies coming forward to showcase their latest planes, drones, helicopters and prototypes such as flying taxis.
The United States has an important presence, with 425 exhibitors, reinforced by renewed interest in military equipment following the war in Ukraine. Companies from 46 other countries also participate, including Brazil, China, Mexico and Spain.
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