Our visit to the Paris Air Show – Le Bourget – 2023

The Paris-Le-Bourget International Air Show, taking place from June 19 to 25, 2023, is the world’s biggest aeronautical event. It takes place every two years, alternating with the Farnborough International Airshow and in the same year as the Dubai Airshow (which we attended in 2021).

Here’s our feedback from this trade show, which we attended during the professional/media days from June 19 to 23.

The aerospace industry gathers at the Paris Air Show from June 19 to 25, 2023. After 2021 marked by the absence of this significant event due to the pandemic, this year’s edition promises to be a must-attend event for sky professionals and aviation enthusiasts alike. With more than 320,000 visitors expected and 2,500 exhibitors from all over the world, the show promises record attendance.

In its third edition, the Paris Air Lab invites visitors to the 2023 Paris Air Show to explore the radical transformation of air transport, currently engaged in the global effort to decarbonize. In harmony with the 2050 carbon neutrality objectives, the show will highlight many programs, research projects, and technological advances in an educational and fascinating trail spread over 1,000 m2 at the heart of the event.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the technological advances underway in air operations, alternative energies to fossil fuels, and the evolution of the industries supporting this transformation. What’s more, they will have the opportunity to meet an international community of industrialists, researchers and power companies, all determined to find the best technological path to the aircraft of the future, eliminate fossil fuels, redefine air routes and shape the future of our industries.

Visitors to the Paris Air Show 2023 will be able to talk to experts in these various fields and understand how the coordination of these different emission reduction strategies forms a rigorous action plan for carbon-neutral air transport by 2050.

In addition, the Paris Air Lab stage will feature a varied and enriching program with keynote speeches from industry leaders.

Roundtables will be held throughout the week to explore key topics, such as the conditions for the transition to non-fossil fuels, and sessions will be devoted to European programs or emerging players – including a session presenting startups focused on decarbonization.

Here’s the agenda for the Paris Air Lab conferences we’ll be attending:

The show program is rich and varied, including conferences on innovative topics such as air mobility and impressive flight demonstrations.

Visitors will also be able to discover the latest innovations from 2023 exhibitors. In addition, the Paris Air Show is providing free shuttles between Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport and the Show’s bus station, in collaboration with VIPARIS and its partners.

Friday to Sunday will be open to the general public, who will be able to admire Rafale, Airbus and Boeing demonstrations.

Here is an example of the flight demonstration schedule, as scheduled on the first day, Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Paris Air Show 2023:

For the other days, the aircraft presented at the Paris Air Show 2023 are similar. Please refer to the official program for timetables.

And during the demonstrations, it’s possible to meet other Avgeeks like the most famous aeronautical “Youtubeur,” Sam Chui.

Even airline executives, as here with Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, in front of the A220-300:

Decarbonization is a crucial issue for the aeronautics industry, as demonstrated by the 54th edition of the Paris Air Show. At the 2023 Paris Air Show, efforts to reduce the industry’s carbon footprint will be highlighted, as they are at Airbus.

The aerospace industry, often singled out for its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions, is, in fact, responsible for 2.4% of global CO2 emissions, a figure half that of the digital sector. Nevertheless, efforts to reduce these emissions are vital to combat climate change.

At the 2023 Paris Air Show, several innovations aimed at decarbonization will be presented. Aircraft manufacturers will showcase their progress on “green aircraft,” from sustainable fuels (SAF) to hydrogen-powered aircraft projects.

Toulouse-based Aura Aero has unveiled the design of its future 19-seat hybrid-electric regional jet, named ERA, due to enter service in 2028. This achievement is seen as a significant step towards the decarbonization of regional aeronautics.

Other stars of the show are the flying cabs, a dozen of these electric aircraft with up to five seats. These flying cabs represent a new approach to urban mobility, offering greener, less congested transport solutions.

Decarbonization is an ambitious goal for the aviation industry, but the Paris Air Show 2023 demonstrates that tangible progress is being made. We saw this with Air Canada, which announced its ambition to operate regional flights with ES30 electric aircraft a few months ago.

The sector’s objective is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a challenge that calls for continuous innovation and the collaboration of all industry players.

Anne Rigail, CEO of Air France, gave a fascinating talk at the Paris Air Lab on sustainable fuel (SAF) and the efforts made by the airline.