The largest international air shows tend to be venues where major aircraft deals are announced. And, for the first time since 2019, the major event that is the Paris Air Show will take place at Paris Le Bourget Airport (LBG). With this exciting and highly-anticipated event fast approaching, rumors and speculative news regarding major aircraft orders have been pouring in – most stemming from the recent IATA AGM. So what exactly is the aviation world anticipating? We examine nine airlines and the speculation that surrounds the significant deals that may be placed.
Over a thousand aircraft could be ordered by the end of 2023
From Europe to the Middle East to East Asia, some major carriers could be ordering hundreds of aircraft. While we don’t know how many of these deals could become official at the Paris Air Show, there are certainly a few that could be public in the coming weeks. Here’s what people are talking about.
airBaltic: As the Latvian airline exclusively operates the Airbus A220-300, there’s little mystery as to what type of aircraft the airline would be eyeing as part of a future order. The airline is looking to expand its fleet further and hopes to place an order for as many as 30 A220-300s. However, this deal hinges upon the successful launch of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) in the third quarter. Thus, airBaltic has confirmed that any announcement for more aircraft will not be taking place at the Paris Air Show.
Air France-KLM: Perhaps one of the more vague pieces of news, we know that this European airline group is looking to retire its aging Airbus A330s and Boeing 777s and find replacements for these widebody jets. Air France and KLM operate both of these types, but no further detail is available on the specific aircraft types or quantities that may be ordered as replacements. Thus, the Airbus A330neo and A350 could be possibilities, as could the Boeing 777X and 787. It can be said, however, that Air France has more often opted to operate Airbus aircraft, while KLM has tended to side with Boeing.
All Nippon Airways: Regarding narrowbodies, the Japanese airline is reportedly eyeing an order of up to 50 Airbus A321neo aircraft. While nothing is confirmed, there is speculation that the narrowbodies will be part of the carrier’s upcoming low-cost outfit, Air Japan. Additionally, ANA President Shinichi Inoue confirmed at the recent IATA Annual General Meeting that there was interest in ordering more Boeing 787s. Aside from its three Airbus A380s, the airline is already heavily invested in Boeing widebodies. It currently operates nearly 80 787s across three variants and has about 20 more on the way.
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Emirates: The Dubai-based carrier already has numerous next-generation widebody aircraft on the way. However, it confirmed in early June that it was close to placing an order for between 100 and 150 aircraft. With the goal of eventually replacing its Airbus A380 fleet, the airline is looking at several types, including the Airbus A350, Boeing 777X, and 787 Dreamliner.
IndiGo: In early June, it was reported that the Indian budget airline was poised to announce a massive deal for up to 500 Airbus A320 family aircraft. It doesn’t stop there, as the carrier also has widebody aspirations. The airline is reportedly engaged in separate discussions with both Boeing and Airbus to purchase 25 787 Dreamliners or A330neos.
Japan Airlines: This oneworld alliance member is reportedly planning to order from both major planemakers, namely A321neos from Airbus and 787 Dreamliners from Boeing. Any new aircraft being considered will replace the airline’s older Boeing 767s and 737s. Evaluations are ongoing, but there’s a lower probability Japan Airlines will announce any deal at the Paris Air Show. Indeed, as we noted recently, it could be another six to 12 months before an order is solidified.
Thai Airways: Also announced at the IATA AGM, Thai Airways is looking to purchase 30 new widebody aircraft and is already in discussions with both Airbus and Boeing. On June 4th, the Bangkok Post reported that the airline would formally send out a request for proposal to both planemakers. The airline expects that any aircraft ordered in the near future will be delivered in 2026. The airline is also eyeing narrowbodies, intending to add several more A321neos for its Thai Smile regional subsidiary. Of course, it won’t be Thai Smile for long, as this brand will soon be absorbed into the mainline operations of Thai Airways.
Turkish Airlines: Up there with IndiGo, Turkish Airlines is also eyeing an order for hundreds of aircraft. As discussed at the launch of its new menu, the carrier needs around 600 aircraft and is in talks with both Airbus and Boeing: 400 narrowbodies and 200 widebodies. Naturally, when it comes to single-aisle aircraft, the competition is between the A320neo family and the 737 MAX family. Meanwhile, for widebodies, the airline’s board chairman noted that the 787 and A350 were being considered.
The 777X was also being assessed against the A350. As we recently reported, however, the carrier has made it clear that a significant announcement will not take place at the Paris Air Show as initially anticipated. Instead, a two-month delay could see the airline make an announcement around August or September.
Stay tuned…
So that is the grand round-up for rumors and discussions of major aircraft orders yet to be made official. Simple Flying will be in attendance at the Paris Air Show, reporting on major announcements as they take place. Be sure to check simpleflying.com and our social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) for all the latest news as it happens.
