Summary

  • Top airshows display modern military aircraft, focus on sustainability, and drive large orders for fuel-efficient jets.
  • IndiGo, Air India, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Emirates have placed massive aircraft orders worth billions in recent years.
  • Airline orders have showcased the commitment to green initiatives and fleet upgrades.

Air shows all around the world have been a tradition in the aviation industry for years. The events have gradually gained popularity as the commercial jet scene evolved with new game-changing innovations. Whether up close and personal or seeing aircraft flying from afar, guests attending these events have the chance to see their favorite plane perform what it was built to do. It also allows major aircraft manufacturing companies such as Airbus and Boeing to receive new airline orders.

From the A321XLR to the 777X, newer aircraft types in today’s environment have proven their skills to the world at different air shows. Some events are on a smaller scale and take place annually, while other larger shows occur biennially on even or odd years, such as the Paris, Dubai, and Farnborough airshows. Within the last 15 years, some of the largest aircraft orders have been placed by major airlines across the globe. These orders demonstrate carriers’ commitment and reliance on manufacturers to continue to supply jets to support their respective operations.

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As the industry has been working toward becoming net-zero by 2050, planemakers and airlines alike have focused on sustainability. Many large orders in recent years have been for fuel-efficient and next-generation aircraft to help the industry edge toward that goal. Here are the top five:

5

IndiGo

500 aircraft in 2023

Indian low-cost carrier IndiGo made headlines last summer at the Paris Airshow when it announced a massive order of 500 A320neo family aircraft. The deal is worth $55 billion, excluding potential bulk order discounts. In its announcement, the airline said the new aircraft would specifically benefit the airline in two ways:

  • Improve fuel efficiency
  • Lower operating costs
IndiGO A321neo

Photo: WeChitra | Shutterstock

The new order increased IndiGo’s order book count of more than 1,300 Airbus aircraft, according to the manufacturer who spoke to News18.

“The latest agreement also takes the total number of Airbus aircraft on order by IndiGo to 1,330, establishing its position as the world’s biggest A320 Family customer.”

The historic order is the largest single aircraft order in commercial aviation history to date. The aircraft are expected to be delivered between 2030 and 2035.

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4

Air India

470 aircraft in 2023

Also, last year, Air India gained worldwide attention for firming up its planned order for 470 Airbus and Boeing aircraft. According to Flight Plan, the order for 250 Airbus aircraft includes:

  • 140 A320neos
  • 70 A321neos
  • 34 A350-1000s
  • 6 A350-900s
An Air India aircraft taking off.

Photo: BoeingMan777 | Shutterstock

From Boeing, the airline expects another 220 aircraft:

  • 190 examples of 737 MAX family aircraft
  • 20 examples of 787 Dreamliner family aircraft
  • 10 examples of 777X family aircraft

In addition to the firm orders, Air India also has options for another 70 examples of 737 MAX and 787 family aircraft.

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The orders from both Indian carriers made the 2023 edition of the Paris Air Show regarded as the industry’s official post-pandemic comeback on a global scale. Order activity was stronger in Paris than in Farnborough in July of the previous year.

3

American Airlines

460 aircraft in 2011

Fort Worth, Texas-based American Airlines mainly reserved its orders for Boeing aircraft throughout the early 2000s. Its commitment to ordering homegrown aircraft changed in 2011 when the airline announced the largest combined aircraft order in history.

The remarkable order comprised 260 Airbus jets and 200 Boeing planes:

  • 130 A319 and A321s
  • 130 A321neos
  • 100 examples of the 737-800
  • 100 examples of the 737 MAX 8
A321XLR

Photo: Airbus

American subsequently acquired numerous Airbus widebody and narrowbody aircraft in 2013 when it merged with US Airways. Following the merger, the combined airline operated A319s, A320s, A321s, A330s, 737-300s -400s, -800s, 757-200s, and 767-300s, while also having the 787 and A350 on order. However, the A350 order was later canceled in favor of an additional 787-9 aircraft. According to ch-aviation, American has more than 330 aircraft from both manufacturers on order.

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2

United Airlines

270 aircraft in 2021

Another notable order came from Chicago-based United Airlines in 2021. The carrier announced an order for 270 aircraft worth around $15 billion, according to the Associated Press. The aircraft types include:

  • 70 A321neos
  • 150 examples of the 737 MAX 10
  • 50 examples of the 737 MAX 8
A United Airlines Airbus A321neo flying in the sky.

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

United also announced that its new planes would be outfitted with its NEXT interior, which marks the return of video screens at each seat and other amenities. The carrier said it would retrofit its older aircraft to receive the new interior over the next few years while also retiring some of its oldest jets.

“Our United Next vision will revolutionize the experience of flying United as we accelerate our business to meet a resurgence in air travel,” said Scott Kirby, United’s CEO. “By adding and upgrading this many aircraft so quickly with our new signature interiors, we’ll combine friendly, helpful service with the best experience in the sky, all across our premier global network.”

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1

Emirates

90 aircraft in 2023

Dubai-based Emirates is one of the largest widebody aircraft operators in the world. Last November, the airline doubled down on its need for larger-sized jets by placing a massive order for 90 aircraft – complementing its existing orders from previous years. The announcement, worth $52 billion, placed Boeing as the first-day winner at the Dubai Air Show, following Airbus’ win at the Paris Air Show.

Emirates Boeing 777x

Photo: Emirates

The order includes:

  • 55 additional examples of the 777-9
  • 35 examples of the 777-8

“Emirates is the biggest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft, and today’s order cements that position. We’ve been closely involved in the 777 program since its start up until this latest generation of 777X aircraft,” said an airline official.

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The carrier also added five more orders for 787-9s and added 15 orders for the A350-900.

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Farnborough Airshow 2024 Hub Page

Farnborough Airshow 2024 Hub Page

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