SHOW REPORT PARIS AIR SHOW 2023

unique professional visitors (with 43 per cent of them being from outside of France) from all corners of the world. The show also opened its doors to the general public, welcoming 1,70,000 enthusiastic aviation enthusiasts who marveled at the aircraft displays and enjoyed the thrilling aerobatic performances.

During the event, an estimated $150 billion worth of contracts were signed, underlining the show’s significance as a catalyst for economic growth and industry development.

Invocating Innovation

• The Paris Air Lab, now in its third edition, drew focus on the global transition to decarbonised travel, the lab featured a vast network of programmes, research projects, and technological breakthroughs. Attendees had the opportunity to explore innovations in technology, aerial operations, alternative energy sources, and manufacturing supporting the industry’s transformation. Key industry specialists presented talks on the challenging roadmap to achieving low emissions and carbon-neutral air transport by 2050.

• The Paris Air Mobility event brought together key players in the advanced air mobility (AAM) ecosystem. It showcased the latest innovations and emerging technologies in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL). The event combined an exhibition area for manufacturers and start-ups to display their products and services with a conference programme featuring senior-level speakers discussing the current state of the AAM market and future industry advancements.

• The Show also showcased the future of the aerospace industry through the Start-Me-Up initiative. This platform welcomed French and international start-ups, creating an environment for encounters and synergies on forward-looking themes such as the environment, new technologies, digitalisation, and passenger experience. Nearly 296 start-ups from 21 countries participated, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas.

The electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, received a significant spotlight at the Paris Air Show (PAS). The 2023 Paris Air Show showcased the future of air transport, including the rise of eVTOL aircraft and the industry’s commitment to decarbonisation. It provided a platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge exchange among industry professionals, start-ups, and key stakeholders.

Volocopter’s 2X model opened the daily flying display, signaling the arrival of these revolutionary vehicles. Volocopter also successfully conducted its first flight trials in Saudi Arabia, receiving special flight authorisation in the Kingdom. Other prominent eVTOL companies, including Archer, Lilium, Eve Air Mobility, and more, showcased their innovations and future plans. Volocopter partnered with Germany’s ambulance group ADAC, potentially adding up to 150 VoloCity vehicles to its fleet.

Lilium announced plans to launch eVTOL flights in China’s Bao’an district and signed an agreement with Chinese operator Heli-Eastern for the purchase of up to 100 aircraft. Eve Air Mobility received orders for up to 150 new aircraft, including a letter of intent from Voar Aviation and a purchase agreement with Widerøe Zero.

The EcoPulse, a hybrid-electric technology demonstrator jointly developed by Daher, Safran, and Airbus, made its public debut. The project aims to evaluate the advantages of a hybridelectric distributed propulsion system, including increased efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.

SkyDrive, a Japanese electric aircraft developer, announced plans to manufacture its eVTOL air taxi in a factory owned by Suzuki Motor Corporation.

French aerospace and engineering group Turgis & Gaillard unveiled a new medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) UAV at the Paris Air Show. VoltAero debuted the first full-scale prototype of its Cassio 330 hybrid-electric aircraft at PAS. The Cassio 330, which can be configured with either four or five seats, will be the first of three hybrid-electric aircraft that VoltAero intends to produce for cargo, air taxi, and medevac applications.

Supernal, a Hyundai subsidiary dedicated to urban air mobility (UAM), announced two key manufacturing partners for its SA-1 eVTOL air taxi. GKN Aerospace has agreed to provide the electrical wiring interconnection system (EWIS) and lightweight aerostructures for Supernal’s aircraft, while Qarbon Aerospace will use its advanced induction-welding techniques to assemble thermoplastic carbon-composite components for the SA-1. Wisk Aero will use Safran’s SkyNaute inertial navigation system for the four-passenger eVTOL air taxi it intends to operate fully autonomously. The Boeing-owned advanced air mobility company displayed what calls its Generation 6 eVTOL aircraft at Le Bourget.

Brazil’s Voar Aviation has signed a letter of intent to purchase 70 Eve eVTOL aircraft for operations across Brazil. Norwegian airline Widerøe’s sustainability division, Widerøe Zero, has agreed to buy up to 50 Eve eVTOLs following their collaboration at the 2021 UN Climate Conference. Nordic Aviation Capital, a global aircraft lessor, has placed a firm order for 15 Eve eVTOLs, with an option for 15 more. Eve has expanded its partnership with Blade Air Mobility to promote eVTOL integration in Europe.