The Paris Air Show, one of aviation’s biggest events, just began. Here’s what to expect …

One of the biggest events in the aviation world is about to kick off for the first time in four years.

The famed Paris Air Show is set to officially return on Monday for the first time since 2019, the second major European Air Show since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

The Paris Air Show, or Salon international de l’aéronautique et de l’espace de Paris-Le Bourget, takes place biennially on odd-numbered years, switching off with the Farnborough Air Show outside of London. Farnborough returned last year for the first time since the pandemic canceled the 2020 show.

Major joint air shows, which mix civil and military aviation, offer opportunities for companies to showcase their latest products and innovations, and for plane manufacturers to display aircraft and announce new products and developments. That includes up-close walk-arounds, interior tours of new aircraft and riveting flying displays that can see test pilots pushing jetliners, helicopters, fighter jets and stunt aircraft to their limits.

Importantly, the shows also serve as a chance to finalize and announce deals and orders with customers.

There are also several smaller regional joint air shows around the world, including in Dubai, Singapore and Johannesburg, which often focus more on those regions’ airlines and products that might suit them. Paris and Farnborough, however, are typically considered the “home” shows for Toulouse-based Airbus and Arlington, Virginia-based Boeing, the two largest passenger aircraft makers, giving the shows an extra boost of importance.

They’re also the main home shows for American and European airlines, which typically have a presence and sometimes announce new orders.

What to expect at the Paris Air Show

There has been little indication that either planemaker plans to announce a new aircraft program in Paris this year, although surprises are always possible.