What to expect from the 51st Paris Air Show
The 51st edition of the International Paris Air Show at Paris Le Bourget, is fast approaching.
The event, which takes place 19-21 June, is held at the busiest private jet airport in Europe, and attracts hundreds of thousands of trade visitors and lovers of civil and military aviation.
About Paris Le Bourget Airport
Since 1953, The Paris Air Show has taken place at the dedicated private airport of Paris Le Bourget (LFPB/LBG).
Located 11 km north-east of central Paris, Le Bourget is the busiest private airport in Europe. It is the main airport dedicated to private jets in the capital and one of the biggest in the world, since it has 8 private terminals (while New York Teterboro Airport has only 5).
Near the city centre and in the heart of Europe, the airport attracts both leisure travellers and business people who travel to Paris or are passing through.
So it is a prime location for the aviation industry for an international event on the scale of the Paris Air Show.
Learn more: 5 reasons why Paris Le Bourget is Europe’s busiest private jet airport
History of the Paris Air Show
The first show was held in 1909 at the Grand Palais and was dedicated to what was known as the ‘air engine’ in these early days of aviation. Gradually, the format evolved to became the Air Show and settled at Paris in the 1950s.
The biennial event has since become the stage for some of the most important milestones in the history of aviation.
In 1928, Charles Lindbergh made the first nonstop transatlantic flight by travelling from New York to Paris, culminating in a glorious landing during the 11th Paris Air Show.
40 years later in 1969, the show hosted two aircraft that also made history: the first Concorde and the Boeing 747.
The world of aviation is evolving fast and in recent years, the Paris Air Show has focussed on innovations and environmental advances in aviation.
In 2011, the event hosts the first Solar Impulse aircraft powered by solar energy – and its successor the Solar Impulse 2 is currently carrying out a world tour.
The Paris Air Show today
This year the show is playing host to 320,000 visitors from 181 countries and more than 2,000 exhibitors.
As as is the case every two years, a dramatic aerial display by the Patrouille de France – France’s equivalent of the Red Arrows – is an anticipated highlight.
But the show is also about business: An opportunity for those in the aerospace industries to show their skills. Pilots, airport services, equipment suppliers, manufacturers and more will gather for a week to review, discuss the latest technical advancements.
And of course there will be aircraft, including a number of the latest business jet models.
Manufacturer Airbus are known for using the Paris Air Show to showcase their aircraft and make announcements. In addition to their revolutionary electric aircraft concept, the E-Fan, the group will present a wide range of current aircraft (A350, A380) and other innovations, such as the future Ariane 6 launcher.
Gulfstream will also be showcasing their G650, their much-talked-about long range jet – one of the fastest private jets in the world. And other business jets scheduled to make an appearance are the Dassault Falcon 7X and the Bombardier Global 6000.
Find out more: Who’s who guide to manufacturers and their aircraft
Finally, for fans of helicopters, the new model of the H160 will be presented by Airbus Helicopters.
For the full event program and more information about this year’s International Paris Air Show, visit http://www.siae.fr/EN
For private jet charter to or from Paris Le Bourget contact our Flight Team (24 hours) on +44 1747 642 777
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