The biggest aircraft order in aviation history and other cool things from day 1 of the Paris Air Show
A sweltering, muggy day in Paris did little to dampen the atmosphere at the Paris Air Show on Monday. Representatives from the aviation industry gathered for the first time in four years to showcase the latest products and technologies and to plot the course for the aerospace industry.
There was joy in being back at Paris—Le Bourget Airport (LBG) for the first time since 2019 (the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2021 edition of the biennial show) and overall happiness about the demand the industry is currently seeing even as supply chains continue to buckle. Still, a muted undercurrent set the tone of the day.
Despite the overall bright spot that commercial aviation and its airline industry customers are currently enjoying, few new things were expected to be announced. Most of what was on display had been introduced at previous shows.
Instead, the day felt like a grounding exercise, a reset — or even just a chance to catch a collective breath — as the industry orients itself to whatever direction is next.
Complete coverage from the 2023 Paris Air Show:
- The Paris Air Show, one of aviation's biggest events, just began. What to expect ...
- The biggest aircraft order in aviation history and other cool things from day 1
- Big Boeing orders, helicopter aerial displays and other highlights from day 2
There was manic yet tentative jubilation at the world's nascent reopening that underpinned the Dubai Air Show in late 2021, and there were high expectations and sprawling displays at the first European show to return, Farnborough, just under a year ago. The first hours in Paris felt more like a deliberate effort to check for sure footing and to look up and see where things are heading.
Of course, there was still plenty to see, hear and explore at the world's biggest aviation event, and the quieter vibe didn't stop a planemaker from inking a record-shattering deal. It is an air show, after all.
Airbus signed an agreement with Indian carrier IndiGo for a firm order of 500 A320 family aircraft — the biggest single aircraft purchase in the nearly 120-year history of commercial aviation. The deal was not quite a surprise as Reuters first reported earlier this month that it was nearing completion. Nevertheless, it eclipsed Air India's recent order for 470 jets (itself a record-breaker at the time) and capped a successful first day for Airbus.
The European planemaker also announced that Saudi budget airline Flynas had firmed 30 options for A320neo jets, while Air Mauritius ordered three A350 wide-bodies.
It was a quiet day for Boeing, by comparison, with no orders announced. However, the company had previously said it expected a quieter showing this year, having announced several major orders over the past six months.
Early in the day, Canadian planemaker De Havilland Canada made noise by introducing a new variant of its storied workhorse "Twin Otter" aircraft, the DHC-6. The new plane, the Twin Otter Classic 300-G, is a lighter version with a greater payload. Twin Otters can be seen on commuter routes, ferrying guests from the airport to their resorts in the Maldives, carrying supplies and cargo to rugged environments around the world, running medevac missions and more. DHC said it had sold up to 45 new planes so far.
Behind the scenes: What it was like to cover my first airshow: A Dubai Airshow recap
Air shows are sprawling affairs that typically take over an entire airport, albeit a smaller one. They feature taxiways and ramps full of aircraft on display, temporarily constructed "chalets" in which major companies and airlines hold meetings, exhibition halls full of civil and military aviation tech, glimpses of future projects that could define the industry and much more. For many attendees, the deals are an afterthought; the chance to see cool new stuff is the latest.
Over the coming days, TPG will bring more from the show. This year, the show features a strong presence from eVTOL makers racing to be the first "flying taxi" company to market. The gathering will also showcase everything from hopeful supersonic airplane designers to electric and hydrogen engines and sustainable aviation fuel providers looking to help transition the industry to a greener future.
Today, though, was about finding our own footing at the show, exploring some planes we rarely see inside (stay tuned!) and, of course, watching the flying displays and checking out the new stuff on the ground.
I have a weakness for helicopter acrobatics, so seeing a few bonus swoops and dives earlier in the day was a treat. The official flying program doesn't start until the afternoon.
We also saw Airbus fly its A321XLR at an air show for the first time. The planemaker first flew this extra-long-range variant last year, but not as part of a public display.
A Dassault Rafale fighter took the stage next. While I'm not as big on military aviation, it was cool to see it take flight with an Air France jet approaching Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) in the background ... and some of the stunts it pulled off in the humidity.
Back on the ground, Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker held a ceremony for the first Gulfstream G700 to join the airline's executive fleet.
Sitting next to a modified Airbus A319 already part of that fleet, the two were a notable pairing. We'll have more on these two jets soon, but here's a sneak preview:
Speaking of sneak previews, new startup Saudi Arabian airline Riyadh Air — a sister airline to flag carrier Saudia and owned by the state's sovereign wealth fund — displayed a leased 787-9 in its brand new livery. Riyadh doesn't take delivery of its first planes until 2025, but it was an opportunity that the airline saw to make a splashy debut.
I missed some of the afternoon flying display but still had the chance to see Boeing's latest two jets — the 737 MAX 10 and 777-9, which are both still undergoing certification work.
Finally, I saw some remarkable flying by a FedEx ATR-72-600, a French Potez CM-170 Fouga stunt plane and a U.S. F-35.
Stay tuned for lots more at the Paris Air Show, and be sure to follow TPG on Instagram for even more from France.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.