a white and blue airplane in the sky

Paris Airshow 2023 Day 1 Orders and Announcements

The Paris Air Show 2023 marks the long-awaited return of the Biennial event after the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the aviation industry.

Airbus has kicked off the show pretty well with a record-breaking order from IndiGo for 500 A320neo Family aircraft. Moreover, the European manufacturer has also logged orders from Air Mauritius and Saudi Arabia’s flynas on the opening day of the Airshow.

IndiGo Orders 500 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo has placed a firm order for 500 A320neo Family aircraft, setting the record for the largest single purchase agreement in the history of commercial aviation.

IndiGo has once again solidified its position as the leading customer of the Airbus A320neo Family by expanding its existing order, bringing the total number of aircraft on order to nearly 1000 aircraft. This latest agreement cement IndiGo’s status as the world’s largest customer for the Airbus A320 Family aircraft.

two airplanes flying in the sky
IndiGo Orders 500 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft. Image: Airbus

“It is difficult to overstate the significance of IndiGo’s new historic order for 500 Airbus A320 Family aircraft. This order strongly reaffirms IndiGo’s belief in the growth of India, in the A320 Family and in our strategic partnership with Airbus.”

Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo.

Deliveries for these A320neo aircraft will begin in 2030 and all of these 500 jets will be delivered by 2035. This means Airbus will be delivering 100 A320neo aircraft a year to a single customer early next decade.

Even though, the order includes both the A320neo and A321neo, the exact breakdown between those jets isn’t known yet. Moreover, the Indian low-cost carrier has also said that the engine selection for the latest order will be done at a later date.

Air Mauritius Orders Three A350-900s

Air Mauritius has confirmed an order for three additional A350-900 aircraft to expand its network in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia. This was the European manufacturer’s first order at the 2023 Paris Air Show.

With four A350s already in operation, this order reinforces Air Mauritius’ commitment to the aircraft type boosting its A350 floor to a total of seven aircraft. Alongside the four A350-900s, Air Mauritius currently operates four A330s.

a white airplane in the sky
Air Mauritius Order Three A350-900s. Image: Airbus

“We compliment Air Mauritius on putting the A350 at the heart of its long-haul fleet modernisation programme. With greater range capability, better economics, passenger capacity and comfort, the A350 is the perfect platform to connect the beautiful island of Mauritius to the world.” 

Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at Airbus.

Flynas Orders 30 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft

Saudi Arabia’s Flynas has firmed up an order for an 30 additional A320neo Family aircraft. This latest order brings Flynas’ total commitment to Airbus to 120 A320neo aircraft, including 10 A321XLRs.

The low-cost carrier was the first airline in Saudi Arabia to acquire the A320neos. The carrier currently operates an all-Airbus fleet of 32 A320neos, 13 A320ceos and four A330-300s. With the addition of these new aircraft, Flynas is committed to expanding its international routes and destinations network.

a white and green airplane flying in the sky
Flynas orders 30 Airbus A320neo Family Aircraft. Image: Airbus

“As we continue to grow receiving several awards for excellence in operations and customer services and invest in our offering, we are delighted to confirm our latest order with Airbus. The A320neo Family brings unmatched benefits to our passengers, offering exceptional operational performance and environmental benefits while helping us provide unique travel experiences at low-cost.”

Bander Almohanna, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director of flynas.

De Havilland Canada Launches DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G

De Havilland Canada has launched the DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G at the Paris International Air Show, with combined purchase agreements and letters of intent totalling 45 aircraft.

Marking the fifth generation of the Twin Otter aircraft, the Classic 300-G joins the already-in-production Series 400.

a red and white airplane
Image: De Havilland Canada

“With the same rugged airframe, propelled by Pratt & Whitney technology, the lighter weight Classic 300-G will deliver increased payload range and decreased operating costs for our customers. Along with an all-new cabin interior and flight deck, De Havilland Canada is once again driving the utility transport aircraft market forward.”

Brian Chafe, CEO of De Havilland Canada.

And that’s a wrap for Day 1 of the Paris Air Show 2023. Airbus made a great start with significant orders on the first day of the Paris Air Show, whereas other manufacturers experienced a relatively slow start, with no significant orders reported. Stay Tuned for tomorrow…

Feature Image via Airbus