The 52nd International Paris Air Show
For the Vayu editorial team, covering the biennial Air Show at Le Bourget in June 2017 is now virtually routine, the Journal having been at the Salon International since 1975, or for over 40 years. At the same location there obviously were new shapes ( and sounds), the Dassault Rafale dominating the military and Airbus A380plus the civil sectors. The to-be-expected sales rivalry between Airbus and Boeing was vigorous but there were new players including Bombardier and Embraer, even as ATR notched steady orders. Some highlights of the Paris Air Show 2017 are included.
At 38oC one could be forgiven if you thought you were in India! Throughout the Paris Air Show 2017, at Le Bourget, it was hot, hot and hotter! Two years ago, at the same event and dates, it rained continuously for the entire week; if one was drenched in rain then, we were drenched in sweat this time! But Paris is Paris and, Vayu loves the Show!
To rattle off numbers, $150 billion worth of orders were announced including 897 aircraft plus purchasing commitments making a catalogue value of USD 115 billion, for a total of 934 commercial aircraft. On display were 140 aircraft including the Airbus A321neo, Airbus A350- 1000, Boeing B787- 10, Boeing B737 MAX9, Kawasaki P1 maritime patrol aircraft, Mitsubishi MRJ90, Lockheed Martin F-35 at Le Bourget for the first time. Dassault Aviation’s Rafale and Falcon 8X, the Airbus A380 and A400M, the Airbus Tiger and NH90 Caiman helicopters were, as usual, dominant at the Show.
There were a total of 2,381 exhibitors (3% more than in 2015) from 48 countries ( the same as in 2015). 54,000 sqm of stands, 340 chalets amounting to 37,500 sqm of covered space, 40,000 sqm of outside space, 27 national pavilions. Some 290 official delegations from 98 countries and 7 international organizations visited, including 160 official defence delegations from 86 countries and 4 organisations ( NATO, the UN, OCCAR, the EU) involving 16 foreign ministers, 40 Chiefs of Staff, 20 deputy ministers or Secretaries of State.
“This 52nd Paris Le Bourget Air Show was a remarkable success with a record number of exhibitors and 150 billion dollars’ worth of orders announced, despite the slight drop in the number of visitors. The impressive demonstration flights of Dassault Aviation’s Rafale, the Falcon 8X business
jet, fly bys of the A380, aerobatic displays by the French Patrouille de France, the Airbus A350-1000 and A400M, and other aircraft delighted the French President, as well as the public, from the first to the last day of the show” declared Emeric d’Arcimoles, the Paris Air Show’s Chairman and CEO. “The Careers Plane exhibition which has now amalgamated with GIFAS’ Job-Training Forum, enabled 55,000 mainly young visitors to discover forty or so aeronautics and space sector careers through French aerospace group employees. There are immediate recruitment needs for these jobs. Paris Air Lab, the new attraction that puts the spotlight on the research and innovation efforts of the major groups and institutions such as start-ups, attracted 50,000 visitors,” he added.
Airbus Developments
Providing strong evidence that the commercial aircraft market remains healthy, Airbus announced $39.7 billion worth of new business during the 2017 Paris Air Show. The company won commitments for a total of 326 aircraft, including firm orders for 144 aircraft worth $18.5 billion and MoUs for 182 aircraft worth $21.2 billion. A320 Family aircraft sales and commitments remained robust, with business accounting for a total of 306 aircraft worth $ 33.8 billion which comprises 132 firm orders worth $14.7 billion, and MoUs for 174 aircraft worth 19.1 billion. In the wide body segment, Airbus won firm orders for 20 aircraft worth $5.9 billion, comprising 12 firm orders worth $3.6 billion and MoUs for eight aircraft worth 2.3 billion.
As John Leahy, Chief Operating Officer Customers, Airbus Commercial Aircraft said: “Our commercial success this week at Paris extends our already diversified order backlog to a new industry record of over 6,800 aircraft, with 326 orders worth $40 billion.” Further to the new orders, the show also saw a repeat order from DHL Express for four more A330-300 Passenger-ToFreighter conversions, in partnership with EFW and ST Aerospace.
At this year’s Paris show, Airbus not only marked a solid sales tally but also extended its value offering at both ends of its commercial product portfolio. In the single-aisle family Airbus decided to offer the Airspace Cabin brand – which, on the A320, includes the biggest overhead bins in its class. For the A380, Airbus has increased revenue-earning potential with even better fuel efficiency, owing to enhanced large winglets, greater cabin capacity and a new higher take-off weight capability to increase its payload-range.
Airbus presented a development study for an enhanced A380, the ‘A380plus’. The study includes aerodynamic improvements, in particular new, large winglets and other wing refinements that allow for up to 4% fuel burn savings. Added to an optimised A380 maintenance programme and the enhanced cabin features first shown at Aircraft Interiors Expo ( AIX) in April, the overall benefit is a 13% cost per seat reduction versus today’s A380. John Leahy, Airbus COO Customers, explained: “The A380plus is an efficient way to offer even better economics and improved operational performance at the same time.” John added: “It is a new step for our iconic aircraft to best serve worldwide fast-growing traffic and the evolving needs of the A380 operations. The A380 is well-proven as the solution to increasing congestion at large airports, and in offering a unique, passenger-preferred experience. “
The new winglets measure approximately 4.7 metres in height (an uplet of 3.5m, and a downlet of 1.2m). It is designed to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag. The A380plus will have an increased maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of 578 tonnes providing the flexibility of carrying up to 80 more passengers over today’s range (8,200nm) or flying 300nm further.
Enter the MAX
Boeing too made important announcements and multi- billion dollar orders and commitments for commercial airliners and commercial and defence services at the 2017 Paris Air Show. The company launched the 737 MAX 10, newest member of the 737 MAX family, with more than 361 orders and commitments from 16 customers worldwide. This wide market acceptance has endorsed the 737 MAX 10 as the “industry’s most efficient and profitable single-aisle airplane”. Commercial customers announced incremental orders and commitments during the week for a total of 571 Boeing aircraft, valued at $74.8 billion at list prices.
Boeing revealed its 2017 Current Market Outlook, raising its 20-year outlook to more than 41,000 new aircraft, valued at $ 6.1 trillion. Boeing also forecasts significant growth in the Aerospace Services Market, projecting $2.6 trillion demand in commercial and government services for the next 10 years. Boeing confirmed its new global services business remained on track to be up and running soon.
Boeing Global Services announced multi- year services agreements valued at up to $ 6 billion during the show. Airplane Development Vice President Michael Delaney laid out the deliberate, disciplined and driven approach that Boeing Commercial Airplanes was following with execution on the MAX, 787-10 and 777X development programmes and the study of how to optimally address middle of the market in the next decade. Looking further into the future Product Development Vice President Mike Sinnett explored the possibilities for advancing autonomous technology to help enhance safety, decisionmaking and traffic management in the face of continued projected growth in air transportation.
Boeing also announced the launch of Boeing AnalytX, which has brought together more than 800 analytics experts from across the company focused on transforming data into actionable insights and customer solutions. Five customer agreements were announced to provide solutions powered by Boeing AnalytX.
The Boeing 737 MAX 9 starred in the daily flying display while the 787-10 Dreamliner, P-8A, V-22, AH-64 Apache and CH-47 Chinook were featured in the static display.
Boeing also announced the launch of the 737 MAX 10 as the newest member of the 737 MAX family at the show. “The 737 MAX 10 will have the lowest seat-mile cost of any single-aisle airplane ever produced. The airliner has gained wide market acceptance with more than 240 orders and commitments secured from more than 10 customers worldwide. The 737 MAX 10 extends the competitive advantage of the 737 MAX family and we’re honoured that so many customers across the world have embraced the outstanding value it will bring to their fleets,” stated Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Kevin McAllister. “Airlines wanted a larger, better option in the large single-aisle segment with the operating advantages of the 737 MAX family. Adding the 737 MAX 10 gives our customers the most flexibility in the market, providing their fleets the range capability, fuel efficiency and unsurpassed reliability that the 737 MAX family is widely known for,” he added.
Design changes for the 737 MAX 10 include a fuselage stretch of 66 inches compared to the 737 MAX 9 and levered main landing gear. The airplane has the capacity to carry up to 230 passengers. Other changes include a variable exit limit rating mid-exit door, a lighter flat aft pressure bulkhead and a modified wing for low speed drag reduction.
Like Boeing’s other 737 MAX models, the 737 MAX 10 incorporates CFM International LEAP-1B engines, advanced technology winglets, Boeing Sky Interior, large flight deck displays, and other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort in the single-aisle market. Lockheed Martin’s LM-100J commercial freighter aircraft made its international debut at the 2017 International Paris Air Show. The LM-100J represents the 17th different mission capability for the C-130J Super Hercules platform and is an updated version of the L- 100 cargo aircraft, which Lockheed Martin produced from 1964-1992. The LM-100J made its first flight on 25 May 2017.”The LM-100J has performed remarkably well in flight tests just two weeks after its first flight. Because of this strong performance, we decided to fly the LM-100J to Paris to be on display at the world’s greatest airshow,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility & Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. “The LM100J’s presence at the Paris Air Show truly places it on the world’s stage, offering an opportunity to highlight its proven capabilities and unmatched versatility to the global commercial marketplace. We are honoured to introduce the world to the LM-100J!”
Lockheed Martin also introduced the C-130J-SOF, the newest Super Hercules aircraft configured for international military special operations requirements. The C-130J-SOF is the 10th production variant of the Super Hercules. This multi-mission aircraft is specifically intended to meet the unique demands associated with executing operations of strategic importance in support of international Special Operations Forces (SOF).
“The C-130J’s inherent versatility is capable of supporting missions across a broad spectrum of military operations,
and this is amplified once again with the C-130J-SOF,” stated Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “As our global partners face increasing and evolving threats that transcend borders, they want a proven solution. The C-130J-SOF, is in fact, the solution that will ensure security is preserved around the world.”
The C-130J-SOF provides the capability to execute Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) and psychological operations, airdrop resupply, personnel recovery, humanitarian relief, as well as infiltration, exfiltration and re-supply of SOF personnel. With added special mission equipment options, the C-130J-SOF may also be configured for armed over watch that includes a 30mm gun and Hellfire missiles, helicopter/fighter/vertical lift aerial refueling, and Forward Area Refueling Point (FARP) operations.
“Our global partners said they need to support their SOF teams with a solution that is reliable, affordable, effective and integrated. They must support their teams in the sky, on the sea and on the ground,” said George Shultz, vice president and general manager, Air Mobility and Maritime Missions at Lockheed Martin. “International operators want a special missions Super Hercules that’s proven and a true force multiplier. Today, we offer that solution to the world in the form of the C-130J-SOF.”
Bombardier Connect
Bombardier Commercial Aircraft concluded a successful week at the Paris Air Show, where it had the “opportunity to connect with customers” from around the world and announced up to US$2 billion in orders and other commitments. “We are concluding the airshow with solid momentum, and I am very pleased with the level of interest and activity we are seeing in all of our aircraft programmes,” said Fred Cromer, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “With our unique product portfolio, we are the leader in the market segment below 150 seats, and the orders and commitments, from multiple operators, for over 60 Q400 aircraft announced during the airshow are clear demonstrations that Bombardier already has innovative solutions that meet market requirements for larger and higher-performance turboprops .”
The airshow was also an opportunity for Bombardier to showcase its CS300 aircraft alongside launch operator air Baltic. “As the momentum continues to build up following the successful first year in service of the CSeries aircraft, we are pleased that airlines around the world are demonstrating growing interest as they witness the CSeries performance and hear about the overwhelming positive feedback from passengers and our launch operators,” added Fred Cromer.
The E-2
Demonstrating the company’s unique position within the commercial, defence, and executive aircraft markets, three Embraer aircraft made their Paris debut. This was Embraer’s largest presence at a major airshow bringing together a static display that showcased the new E195-E2, the largest member of the second generation of Embraer’s family of commercial jets, the multi- mission transport and aerial refueling aircraft KC-390 and the state-ofthe-art mid-light business jet Legacy 450, “a remarkable union of technology and design aircraft that flies faster and farther than any other jets in its class”. These three full fly-by-wire technology new generation aircraft took part at the airshow’s daily flight display.
Also, according to the their latest Market Outlook, Embraer projects a steady market demand for 6,400 new jets in the 70- 130+ seat capacity category ( 2,280 units in the 70-90 seat segment and 4,120 units in the 90-130+ seat segment), worth USD 300 billion by 2036. The 70-130+ seat jet world fleet-in-service will increase from 2,700 aircraft in 2016 to 6,710 by 2036, the fastest growing segment among all aircraft seat capacities. Market growth will drive 63% of total demand and the remaining 37% will be delivered to replace ageing aircraft.
“Whilst region-specific outlooks vary considerably, the underlying drivers to sustain the projected market demand for jets in the 70-130+ seat capacity category remain intact, from feeding complex bank structures at major hubs to pioneering new markets and complement narrow- body aircraft operation. Fleet optimisation is critical in the vicissitudes of business cycles, and a rationalised fleet does not necessarily signify an optimised one. Right- sized aircraft call for a new smarter approach. Greater control in matching aircraft capacity to market demand prevents the erosion of unit revenues and provides competitive cost structure”, stated Embraer officials.
“The E195-E2, for example, will provide an attractive proposition with much lower trip costs and comparable seat-mile costs to than its large narrow-body counterparts, while combining growth and higher returns with the opportunity to increase unit revenue with a right-sized aircraft.” The airline industry is notoriously known for its boom and bust cycles. Better seat inventory control allows a continuous search for higher profits and efficiency. The ability to shift back towards revenue unit growth, instead of aggressive capacity expansion, is crucial”, stated John Slattery, President& CEO, Embraer Commercial Aviation.
Jets in the 70- 130+ seat capacity category are one of the main pillars of business sustainability. The E-Jets E2 is “perfectly positioned to keep Embraer as the market leader in the segment and maximise profitability for both airlines and leasing companies”.
Enhanced ATRs
ATR is finalising the evaluation for the launch of a version of the ATR 42-600 with enhanced Short Take- Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities. The regional turboprop aircraft manufacturer is ready to offer this new version, the ATR 42-600S, to its current and potential customers. The ATR 42- 600S will substantially reduce the minimum length of runway required to take-off and land with full passenger
capacity, down to only 800 metres. By improving these capabilities of the ATR 42-600s, hundreds of airports with runway lengths between 800 and 900 metres will be able to accomodate the aircraft, thus increasing business opportunities for its operators.
As of today, a large and ageing fleet of nearly 2,200 regional aircraft from 30 to 50 seats operate all over the world. Among this fleet, turboprops account for nearly 60% ( 1,200 aircraft), and provide an essential connectivity to smaller and remote communities. These turboprops serve over 3,100 routes today, with one third of these routes relying exclusively on these aircraft.
“The fleet of inefficient previous generation regional aircraft will need to be replaced in the years to come. The ATR 42 “perfectly addresses this market with a combination of modernity, reliability and the highest standards of passenger comfort. The ATR 42 matches trip costs of 30-seater aircraft while adding seats and driving down unit costs, thus generating potential to stimulate demand”. ATR sees a potential for nearly 600 deliveries of 50- seater turboprops in the 20 years to come.
Commenting on the potential for this new version of the ATR 42-600, Christian Scherer, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, stated: “Facilitating the emergence of future traffic as well as maintaining the connectivity of communities is at the heart of ATR’s role. This is why we have decided to further address the challenges of airfield accessibility, allowing growth in air services for remote areas as well. We are now proposing the ATR 42-600S to our operators and we look forward to positive feedback from the market”.
And as for the pilots !
CAE released its first CAE Airline Pilot Demand Outlook, providing the airline industry with key insights on the future need for professional pilots in commercial aviation. The 10-year view builds on key drivers, variables and trends and addresses airline pilot needs around the world. The report exposes a global requirement for 255,000 new airline pilots over the next 10 years to sustain the growth of the commercial air transport industry and support retirements. It also reports a need to develop 180,000 first officers into airline captains, a greater number than in any previous decade. The document breaks down the numbers by region and provides a thorough analysis of the training needs of the aviation industry.
“As the leading training organisation in the world, we are very proud to introduce our first-ever CAE Airline Pilot Demand Outlook to the market, which will provide airlines with a view on the upcoming needs and development opportunities for professional pilots,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It is fair to say that the majority of today’s pilots have been in contact with CAE at some point in their career, whether it be in one of our academies, training centres, as part of a flying assignment or in one of our full- flight simulators. As such, we deeply understand the pilot development process and our experience sourcing and training pilots for airlines from diverse regions gives us a unique position to understand these insights.”
“The airline industry will need 70 new type-rated pilots per day for the next 10 years to meet global demand,” said Nick Leontidis, CAE Group President, Civil Aviation Training Solutions. “This record demand will challenge current pilot recruitment channels and development programmes. New and innovative pilot career pathways and training systems will be required to meet the industry’s pilot needs and ever-evolving safety, competency and efficiency standards. We’re very proud to share this first comprehensive report with the industry and continue to shape the future of pilot training with our aviation partners and colleagues”.