Airbus Secures US$23 Billion for 105 Jets at Paris Airshow

On the opening day of the Paris Airshow, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus secured  significant deals with Polish carrier LOT and Saudi leasing company AviLease, totaling 105 jets worth an estimated US$23 billion. Industry sources report that Airbus is also close to finalizing agreements with Taiwan's Starlux Airlines and EgyptAir.

Polish airline LOT, facing stiff competition from European low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Wizz Air, announced the purchase of 40 Airbus A220 aircraft. Valued at approximately US$1.6 billion, the agreement follows a competitive bidding process against Brazilian manufacturer Embraer. Announced on June 16, the deal includes an option to expand the order to 84 aircraft, with deliveries starting in 2027.

The agreement was signed at a press conference attended by the Polish and French ambassadors and Poland’s Minister of Infrastructure. LOT CEO Michał Fijoł remarked: “It was not an easy process. We received two very competitive offers, but I am pleased to say that you [Airbus] wanted us more—and that is why we are here today.”

According to European aviation and defense sources cited by Reuters, political considerations may have influenced LOT’s choice of Airbus over Embraer. In May 2025, Poland and France signed a treaty to enhance cooperation in defense and nuclear energy, reflecting a broader trend of European alignment.

“This is the largest investment in the history of Poland’s national carrier. We are building a leader in European air transport,” Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X.

In another major deal, Airbus secured an agreement with Saudi leasing firm AviLease for 40 aircraft, including 30 A320neo and 10 A350 freighter jets, valued at US$3.5 billion, according to Cirium. With these agreements, Airbus’s total orders on the first day of the event reached 105 aircraft.

Additionally, Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s newest airline and a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), signed a deal for 25 Airbus A350-1000 jets, estimated at US$4.6 billion. Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) also finalized a previously announced Airbus order, while negotiations with EgyptAir and Starlux Airlines are reportedly in the final stages.

The Paris Airshow, the world’s largest aviation industry event, is renowned for hosting major commercial announcements. However, this year’s show has seen a dip in business activity, partly due to uncertainty following the June 12 Air India crash involving a Boeing aircraft. In response, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg and Commercial Airplanes President Stephanie Pope chose not to attend, focusing instead on supporting the investigation and those affected.

The event also opened amid controversy after organizers closed Israeli defense company booths displaying lethal weapons. This edition is widely considered one of the most politically charged in years, as European nations increase defense spending amidst rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

“Paris is traditionally a civil aviation show, but many investors—especially newcomers to aerospace and defense—are attending this year, perhaps with overly high expectations for defense-related announcements,” said Sash Tusa, analyst, Agency Partners, in an interview with Reuters.