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Paris Air Show 2025 marked by Air India Boeing 787 tragedy and Middle East tensions, yet Airbus pursues large aircraft deals.

16 Jun 2025 2 min

This year’s Paris Air Show at Le Bourget was expected to be a global aviation celebration. Instead, the event has been overshadowed by the deadly crash of an Air India Boeing 787, which claimed over 240 lives. This disaster has shaken the aviation world and now haunts every agenda, contract, and strategic move by the world’s major aircraft manufacturers.

The Boeing 787 aircraft, operating as Air India flight AI171, crashed on June 12, 2025, shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad. Of the 241 passengers and crew, only one survived, and 38 civilians on the ground were also killed. A thorough investigation led by Indian authorities, with support from the US FAA and UK regulators, is focusing on possible engine failure, flap and gear system faults, and indications of dual engine failure found in black box and video data.

Boeing faces immense pressure from both regulators and the global public. The company canceled the attendance of its top executives at the Paris Air Show, both as a gesture of respect and to help contain negative sentiment. The probe has also expanded to address counterfeit parts discovered in the Dreamliner supply chain, prompting mandatory inspections for all Air India Boeing 787s in India.

The crash delivered a significant blow to Boeing’s reputation, which had already been shaken by previous quality issues. Boeing’s share price fell sharply after the incident, raising doubts among airlines considering new orders. Investors and analysts now believe this disaster could further widen the gap between Boeing and its main rival, Airbus, especially in the growing European and Asian markets.

Beyond the crash, this year’s Paris Air Show is also shadowed by heightened Middle East tensions, particularly between Iran and Israel. Several major airlines have rerouted or canceled flights to avoid conflict zones. The impact has included increased operating costs, potential delays, and a need for updated insurance and security procedures.

As Boeing grapples with crisis, Airbus is capitalizing on the moment. The European giant is expected to sign a purchase deal for 47 A220 jets with LOT Polish Airlines, adding to a record 2025 order book. AirAsia and Saudi carriers like AviLease and Riyadh Air are also rumored to be eyeing new orders for the latest A220 variants. This further solidifies Airbus’s position as an industry leader in innovation and sales during a period of global uncertainty.

Beyond accidents and contracts, this year’s Paris Air Show is also a forum for discussing geopolitical risks and regulatory changes. Airlines and manufacturers must brace for new US tariffs and rerouted flights caused by Middle East instability. Despite the somber backdrop, the show still features cutting-edge innovations in aviation technology, including AI-powered jets, autonomous systems, and the latest in air defense.

Paris Air Show 2025 reflects the complex reality of today’s aviation industry. Amidst tragedy and global anxiety, industry players are still racing to innovate and secure major deals to keep business afloat. The Air India Boeing 787 disaster is a sobering reminder of the importance of safety and quality, while the Airbus-Boeing rivalry intensifies. Aviation now enters a new era of challenges, marked by drama, geopolitical risk, and rapid technological transformation.