Record numbers of aircraft orders were placed at this year’s Paris Air Show, with the total of around 1,300 new aircraft surpassing the previous record, of 1,226 orders and commitments at the 2017 show. While massive orders from IndiGo and Air India may have skewed the figures, the numbers are still impressive, and are great news for the supply chain.
The majority of orders were for short- and medium-haul aircraft, with capacity of 150 to 220 passengers. FACC, a supplier of aerospace parts, including major parts of the Airspace by Airbus cabins used in the A320 Family, says it has benefited greatly from the Paris orders, as its lightweight components are used by all aircraft manufacturers. Overall, FACC says its order book grew by around €400 million as a result of the aircraft orders placed at the air show.
Net Zero as a driver
Airlines are seeking to modernise their existing fleets with more sustainable and lower-emission aircraft, especially as pressure to achieve Net Zero grows. Lightweight aircraft systems, including lightweight interiors, play an important role in achieving efficiency goals, as do measures that reduce an aircraft’s aerodynamic drag.
Urban air mobility with a lot of upside
In addition to civil aviation, the presence of all major manufacturers in the Urban Air Mobility sector was also enormous at Paris Air Show. FACC has also been working to develop lightweight solutions for this sector, especially as some of its existing customer base is growing in this segment. For example, FACC is building the entire aircraft structure, including fuselage and wings, for Archer Aviation, a USA-based urban air mobility specialist.
Sustained recovery of the aviation industry
“The aviation industry has shown that it can successfully overcome challenges,” stated Robert Machtlinger. CEO of FACC, discussing the success of the 2023 Paris Air Show.
However, a concern for FACC, and many other aviation suppliers, is the required ramp-up of production rates to meet the huge levels of aircraft orders. FACC’s response includes expansion of its production capacities in the coming years. In addition to the 400 new employees added in 2022, FACC is currently looking for another 600 employees to work at its locations in Upper Austria alone.
