Preview: Highlights of the aircraft to be showcased at Paris Air Show 2025

With the bi-annual Paris Air Show (PAS2025) just days away, AeroTime takes a look at the aircraft that will feature at the 55th edition of the legendary event at Le Bourget Airport to the north of the French capital city. The 2025 show will welcome thousands of visitors and hundreds more exhibitors, as well as aircraft of every shape, size, and description. From the widebody commercial heavyweights to the smallest eVTOL and unmanned aerial vehicles, all will be on display, while some are even scheduled to perform in the daily flying display.

In this article, AeroTime casts its eye through the official Air Show preview list to pick out its highlights – which aircraft are likely to grab the most headlines, which will attract the most orders, and which will turn the most heads as they roar into life in the skies over Le Bourget on the days of the show.

Note that this list is not exhaustive, is subject to change, possibly at short notice, and should therefore not be relied upon. For further details, consult the official Paris Air Show website here.   

The commercial airliners

The big three manufacturers (Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer) will all be in attendance at PAS2025, although as at the Farnborough Airshow in 2024, Boeing’s attendance will be somewhat muted compared to previous appearances as the company rebuilds its reputation and focuses attention on getting the 737 MAX 7 and 10 single-aisle and its 777X widebody certified.

Airbus has traditionally had a major presence at the show, and 2025 will be no exception. Its current range of commercial range will be well represented by both narrowbody and widebody examples, with the company sending one of its A321XLR demonstrators, which has recently been repainted into the livery of recent customer Riyadh Air. Read more about this here.  

Dirk GrotheThe European planemaker will also be displaying an Airbus A220 demonstrator, plus its two biggest hitters in the form of the A350-900 and A350-1000 widebodies. It is understood at the time of writing that all Airbus commercial aircraft will be open to visitors in the static display area throughout the week of the show. The Airbus A350-1000 will participate in the flying display on certain days.

Although Boeing’s attendance will not feature the still under-development Boeing 777X series, nor will the Boeing 737 Max series make an appearance, the company will be represented in the static park by an example of the 777-300ER, which will be in collaboration with customer, Qatar Airways. It is understood that the aircraft on display will be the same plane that was recently painted into a special color scheme to bring Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain home to Paris after the final match held in Munich on May 31, 2025, as covered by AeroTime here.

Qatar AirwaysSliding down the scale to the regional aircraft on display at the show, Embraer will again exhibit its popular E195-E2 regional airliner at Paris. A type that has steadily been picking up orders in recent months, since its last appearance at Farnborough in 2024. The company will be hoping to draw more attention to its next-generation regional jet and may also be announcing more orders for the type during the show. The aircraft will participate in the flying display on certain days.

EmbraerStaying in the regional aircraft arena, ATR will be bringing its popular turboprop ATR72-600 demonstrator that will perform each day in the flying display. In the static park, an example of the same type and variant in the colors of Azul Linhas Aéreas from Brazil will be open to the public.

ATRLastly, three smaller regional turboprop manufacturers will be bringing aircraft to the show. De Havilland Canada will be in attendance with its venerable Twin Otter 300-G model, an updated and modernized version of its popular utility aircraft. Britten-Norman will also appear with its BN-2 Islander, a type that has recently gone back into production. The BN2 Islander is a versatile, robust, and reliable light twin-engine aircraft. Suitable for operations on short and unprepared runways, it is used for regional transport, surveillance, humanitarian missions, and island connections.

Bringing up the tail of the line-up of regional and specialist commercial airplanes is Cessna, part of the Textron Aviation group of companies, which will present its hardworking C208 Grand Caravan multi-role utility aircraft to the public.       

Military transporters and fast jets

As is now tradition at the Paris Air Show, there will be a fantastic representation of military fast jets on display at PAS2025. Aircraft from a number of the world’s leading manufacturers will be on display, both in the air and on the ground, with their eye-catching sleek lines and ear-splitting aerial action.

US-built combat aircraft will be well represented in the form of the McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle and the Lockheed Martin F-16 and F-16V Fighting Falcons. The latter of these two manufacturers will also be displaying its latest offering in the form of the F-35 high-performance combat jet. The F-35 will demonstrate its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) as well as conventional flying capabilities. Able to fly at around 1,250 mph (2,000 kph), the aircraft is the most advanced single-crewed fighter jet in the world today.  

SpaceKris / ShutterstockOther than the US manufacturers, other fast jets on display will be the Turkish-built Turkish Aerospace Industries Hürjet. This dual-seat jet training aircraft is a single-engine supersonic advanced training aircraft that made its first flight on April 25, 2023. The Turkish Air Force intends to use these new trainers to replace its Northrop T-38 trainers and perform a close air support role alongside its current F-16s. Meanwhile, Leonardo will display an example of its M-346 light combat aircraft on the ground every day.

Home-based manufacturer Dassault Aviation will enjoy a significant presence in the fast jet space with several variants of its Rafale combat jet, including the Rafale F5 Marine variant. Designed for aircraft carrier operations, it features major advancements such as swarm warfare, embedded AI, and drone control.

Dassault AviationAirbus will also be represented in this category through the presence of the Eurofighter Typhoon. The Typhoon is a 4th-generation multirole fighter jet developed by a European consortium, including BAE Systems and Airbus. Fast, agile, and equipped with advanced avionics, it forms the backbone of several European air forces, including the UK, Germany, Italy, and Spain.

Appearing at the show as one of its highlights will be the French Air Force’s aerial display team, the Patrouille De France. With their iconic blue AlphaJets, their showstopping display is likely to bring any dealings going on in the exhibition halls to a standstill, albeit temporarily.

Where once it was largely the case that certain aircraft manufacturers specialized in military aircraft while others concentrated on building commercial planes, such lines have become much more blurred in the modern age – a point that is borne out by the military transport aircraft offering at PAS2025.   

Airbus will be displaying both its twin-prop C295 and quad-prop A400M Atlas military transport planes, the latter being an example from the Armée de l’Air et de l’Espace (French Air Force). The A400M Atlas is a versatile military transport aircraft capable of both tactical and strategic missions. It can carry up to 37 tonnes of equipment or 116 troops. It operates from short or unprepared runways and performs aerial refueling.

AeroTimeBoeing will also be represented on the military side of the show, although only fleetingly, with the company’s KC-46 Pegasus airborne platform. The KC-46 Pegasus is a next-generation aerial refueling tanker based on the Boeing 7672-00 commercial airliner. Its roles included providing in-flight refueling for combat jets, troop transport, and cargo delivery.

The company will also present an example of its P-8 Poseidon aerial surveillance platform (based on the popular Boeing 737-800), which will be displayed on the ground. The company’s outsize cargo lifter, the C-17 Globemaster, will be on static display throughout the week.

Embraer is once again bringing its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft to Paris. The C-390 is a versatile, medium-sized transport aircraft powered by a pair of turbofan engines and is the heaviest aircraft the Brazilian planemaker has designed and built to date. The aircraft is already in service with the governments/militaries of Brazil, Portugal, Hungary, and the Netherlands, with outstanding orders from Austria and South Korea, among others.

EmbraerLastly, in this category, SAAB Aircraft from Sweden will attend with its GlobalEye. The type is an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) system. Based on a Bombardier Global 6000 business jet, the aircraft is fitted with next-gen radars and sensors to detect air, land, and sea threats at long range.

Executive jets and general aviation

Fixed-wing executive aircraft on display will be the latest model of the legendary Gulfstream Aerospace G-series of executive jets, the G700, alongside its sister product, the G600. The G700 is a world-record-breaking twin-engine jet that boasts the longest range of any Gulfstream jet to date. Designed to carry up to 19 passengers, the G700 has a top speed of Mach 0.935 and a range of up to 7,750 nautical miles (14,353km) when cruising at Mach 0.85. Each aircraft has a price tag in the region of $75 million. 

Georgi Bidenko / ShutterstockFrench manufacturer Dassault is well-known for its range of successful business jets alongside its defense division. This side of the company’s operation will be represented by its Falcon 6X and 8X business jets. The Falcon 6X is an innovative business jet offering a spacious cabin and a range of 5,500 nautical miles. The Falcon 8X is Dassault Aviation’s flagship business jet. With a 6,450 nautical mile range, it can connect major capitals non-stop. Combining efficiency, quietness, and safety, it is “designed for the most demanding long-haul executive flights,” says the company.

Swiss general aviation manufacturer Pilatus will also be well-represented at PAS2025 with a collection of its best-selling executive aircraft. These will include the unique PC-12 versatile single-engine utility aircraft known for its durability and range. The type can operate from short or unpaved runways, carrying passengers, cargo, or medevac teams, and is one of the best-selling turboprops worldwide.

PilatusOn the larger side, the company will display its PC-24 twin-engined business jet. Again, capable of landing on unpaved runways, the light executive airplane has been growing in popularity over recent years, competing favorably against its larger and often more expensive rivals.

Beechcraft, another company from the Textron Aviation stable, will attend PAS2025 with both its King Air 260 and King Air 360 light utility turboprops. The King Air 260 is a light, rugged twin-turboprop aircraft, suitable for business, medical, or government missions. Its pressurized cabin offers comfort for up to nine passengers, while its performance ensures short take-offs and long range. The larger King Air 360 is designed for business travel and regional transport and can also carry up to nine passengers and land on short, even unpaved runways.

Bidgee / Wikimedia CommonsHelicopter highlights

Representing rotary-winged aircraft at PAS2025  are helicopters of all shapes and sizes. The largest example will be the iconic twin-rotor CH-47 Chinook that will be on static display each day of the event.

WildWestScott / ShutterstockThe CH-47 Chinook is a twin-engine heavy-lift helicopter known for transporting heavy loads and large numbers of troops. Used in military, humanitarian, and rescue operations, it stands out for its robustness, versatility, and performance in challenging conditions. Its tandem rotor design provides excellent maneuverability and stability, even in difficult terrain.

Airbus Helicopters will have a major presence at the Show, bringing its H160 multi-purpose twin-engined helicopter to the static area, described by the company as its “most technologically advanced helicopter”. Joining it will be the E120 Colibri, a light single-engine helicopter used for training, surveillance, or utility missions, plus its H125M and the H145, the latter being a versatile twin-engine light helicopter often used for medical, police, or transport missions.   

Airbus Helicopters will also present its H225M Caracal, the modern-day version of the original Super Puma. The H225M Caracal is a long-range tactical transport helicopter developed by Airbus and designed for special operations, combat search and rescue, and troop insertion with the capability to carry up to 28 soldiers. 

marcosbascuas76 / Wikimedia CommonsBell Helicopter, another component of Textron Aviation, will also maintain a strong presence at PAS2025 with its Bell 407 and 429 offerings, plus the smaller 505 and 525 aircraft. Based on its best-selling Bell 206 Jet Ranger of the 1970s and 1980s, the 505 is a next-generation light helicopter, offering reliability, visibility, and modern avionics, suitable for training, transport, and leisure.

Lastly, Leonardo Helicopters will present its AW149 and AW249 aircraft at the Show. The AW149 is a next-generation multirole military helicopter, designed for demanding missions and to transport troops, equipment, or evacuate casualties. The AW249 is Italy’s next-generation attack helicopter, replacing the company’s AW129 helicopter. 

Other display categories

The 2025 will also feature a dazzling array of other flying machines, from eVTOL (electric Vertical Take-off and Landing) aircraft currently in development to multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), defence and surveillance drones, hybrid experimental aircraft, rotary-winged light sports aircraft, and various training aircraft. Two aircraft of note to look out for this year will be BETA Technologies’ ALIA CX300 and the Aeronde.

Vermont-based advanced air mobility developer BETA Technologies has just successfully completed its first passenger-carrying all-electric aircraft demonstration flight at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York. As recently reported by AeroTime, the historic flight follows six years of testing and development by BETA, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, announced in a statement on June 3, 2025. The flight was performed using BETA’s ALIA conventional take-off and landing (CTOL) aircraft. The journey to JFK airport lasted 45 minutes and included a pilot and four people.

BETA Technologies / LinkedInAeronde is a motorized, 100% electric, helium-powered, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, designed to fly in complete safety with up to two people on board and charge, silently, with little energy, for several hours. Presented by Conseil National des Fédérations Aéronautiques et Sportives, there will be a mock-up of this unique and groundbreaking aircraft on display at PAS2025.

The best of the rest

Paris, unlike its counterpart show at Farnborough, regularly features a multitude of historic aircraft on its official list of attending and flying aircraft. Everything from Second World War combat aircraft to vintage transport and training aircraft appears on the list for 2025, whetting the appetite for anyone who is particularly into warbirds and vintage flying.

Ad Meskens / ShutterstockAlthough the list is long and far too extensive to reproduce here in full, there are a few highlights worth mentioning –

Bréguet Br.1050 Alizé  – a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Grumman Bearcat – Designed in 1944, this aircraft was among the fastest piston-engine fighters ever built. 

North American Bronco OV-10A  – a light observation and ground support aircraft developed for counter-insurgency missions.

CM170 Fouga Magister  – a landmark jet trainer from the 1950s. Used by numerous air forces, it is recognizable by its V-tail and high maneuverability. 

Chance Vought F4U Corsair – a legendary American WWII fighter, known for its distinct gull-wing design.

Douglas DC-3 – an aviation icon, the Douglas DC-3 revolutionized air travel in the 1930s.

Aero Vodochody L-39 Albatross – a jet trainer used for military aircrew training and light combat, and reconnaissance missions.

Spartan 7W Executive – the Spartan was a luxurious 1930s transport aircraft known for its sleek all-metal design and strong performance.
Summary

As can be seen, the Paris Air Show 2025 line-up offers a real mix of flying machines. Wherever your interest lies, whether it be commercial airliners, military jets, or the myriad of other aircraft in attendance, there will undoubtedly be something for everyone.

InsectWorld / ShutterstockReporting on all the big news and key events from the show daily from 16 to 20 June 2025, make sure you check back regularly with AeroTime for all the latest developments from PAS2025. If you are attending the show in person, look out for the team from AeroTime who will be in attendance each day.   

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