The 2025 Paris Airshow kicked off with a storm of political controversy and major business wins. While Airbus stole the spotlight by securing major jet deals with Saudi Arabia and Poland, the event was overshadowed by a diplomatic fallout between France and Israel.
On the first day of the show, France ordered the shutdown of several Israeli defense company booths for displaying offensive weapons, a move that sparked outrage from Israeli officials. The Israeli Ministry of Defense called the action “outrageous and unprecedented,” accusing France of trying to protect its own defense companies from Israeli competition.
U.S. Republican Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, present at the event, described France’s decision as “pretty absurd,” echoing criticism from other international delegates. Show organizers are now in talks to resolve the issue.
France’s Prime Minister Francois Bayrou defended the decision, citing national concern over the ongoing Gaza conflict. He stated that all exhibitors had been informed in advance that offensive weapons would not be allowed, and Israeli companies could resume exhibiting if they complied.
Despite the diplomatic turbulence, Airbus soared ahead with business deals. Saudi Arabia’s AviLease announced an order for 30 A320neo aircraft and 10 A350 freighters — a deal estimated at around $3.5 billion.
Riyadh Air, a new national airline under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, also confirmed a $4.6 billion order for 25 A350-1000 long-haul jets. These purchases align with Saudi Arabia’s aggressive strategy to rival Gulf giants like Emirates and Qatar Airways by transforming Riyadh into a global aviation hub.
Meanwhile, Poland’s national airline, LOT, confirmed an order for 40 Airbus A220 aircraft, with an option for 44 more. This $1.6 billion deal signals closer defense and political cooperation between Poland and France, following a recent bilateral treaty signed in May. The deal also marks a win for Airbus over Brazil’s Embraer in a highly competitive bidding process.
While Airbus thrived, Boeing took a quieter approach at the show. CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes President Stephanie Pope canceled their attendance to focus on the investigation into the recent Air India Boeing 787 crash, which killed over 240 people. The incident — the first fatal crash involving the 787 model — has cast a shadow over Boeing’s operations.
Additional orders came in from Japanese carrier ANA and possibly Egyptair and Taiwan’s Starlux, according to industry insiders. Yet, the airshow’s defense segment remained subdued, with fewer major U.S. arms announcements despite rising European military budgets and investor interest.
This year’s show is shaping up as one of the most politically charged editions in recent history. While Airbus scores record sales, shifting alliances and diplomatic rows are reshaping the aerospace industry’s global stage.
