Boeing vs Airbus: Who won Paris air show?

While it began with a significantly vibrant kick-start, the calm has started to settle for the 54th edition of the highly-anticipated Paris Air Show. Displays and products were flown and shown, and aircraft manufacturing giants like Airbus and Boeing certainly walked away with expected substantial orders to add to their growing books. But who won higher stakes this time?

How was the Paris Air Show for Airbus?

In terms of gaining the upper hand and getting the ball rolling during an initial slow start on the first day, Airbus had a welcoming lead after flag carrier Air Mauritius clocked the aircraft manufacturer's first order for three more A350-900s to join its fleet. Then joining in on the ordering action shortly after was Saudi low-cost carrier flynas, which firmed an order for 30 new Airbus A320neo family aircraft, Simpleflying reports.

And rounding off Airbus' first day was Indian budget carrier IndiGo which placed a record-breaking order for 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft, making it the biggest aircraft order in history. On day two, Philippine Airlines ordered nine Airbus A350-1000s, while Air India signed a purchase agreement for the 250 aircraft it signed a letter of intent for in February.

Qantas would then wrap up the second day after following suit and finalizing its commitment for nine additional Airbus A220-300s. The third day proved quieter for Airbus, albeit its order book for the A330neos after aircraft leasing giant Avolon signed for an additional 20 of the aircraft type, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. TAAG Angola Airlines signed lease agreements for nine Airbus A220s with three lessors.

With no orders on day four, Airbus left this year's Paris Air Show with a total demand for 821 aircraft. The breakdown for the European aircraft manufacturer is as follows:

Was it better or worse for Boeing?

While Airbus evidently clocked in some massive aircraft orders from the Paris Air Show, how did rival Boeing fare? Compared to its European rival, the US aircraft manufacturer breezed through day one quietly and only saw action on day two when it logged the first order with China Airlines for eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Aircraft lessor Avolon also scored a hat-trick before lunchtime after firming an order for 40 737 MAX 8s.

The second day also saw Air Algerie placing an order for eight Boeing 737 MAX 9s alongside a committing Memorandum of Understanding for a pair of 737 BCFs. Air India wrapped things up by signing the purchase agreement for the 220 aircraft for which it signed a letter of intent in February, making this Boeing's most prominent order in South Asia. The order includes options for an additional 70 aircraft.

Day three would see Boeing bag more narrowbody orders after flag carrier Luxair placed an order for four 737 MAX 7 aircraft, becoming the launch customer of the type in Europe. Indian low-cost carrier and startup Akasa Air would also boost the manufacturer's numbers by placing a small order for an additional four 737 MAXs.

And with that, the orders for Boeing were concluded to 356 aircraft. The breakdown is as follows:

And the winner is...

When comparing Airbus' total of over 800 aircraft orders to Boeing's under 400, it is clear that the European aircraft manufacturer takes the crown for the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show, which was made possible due to IndiGo's significant historical order. At the same time, both manufacturers basked in equally impressive orders from Indian carriers, further reaffirming the growing popularity and strength of the South Asian market.

And despite the significant difference, it is still reassuring to see both sides securing blossoming business during the air show, especially in various global markets. Overall, this year's air show was quite a blast, and it is a game of patience until the next one in 2025!