DUBAI- Emirates (EK) has made a much-anticipated return to the Paris Airshow on June 17, 2025, showcasing the world’s largest international airline’s first participation in over 15 years.
The airline featured its latest Airbus A350 aircraft at Le Bourget (LBG), France, as part of the 55th edition of the International Paris Airshow, which will continue until June 19.
Emirates Aircraft Display
The airline showcased its A350 as the highlight of its exhibition, featuring pioneering cabin designs and advanced interior technologies. The aircraft accommodates passengers across three cabin classes.
This includes 32 advanced Business Class lie-flat seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, 21 Premium Economy seats, and 259 spacious Economy Class seats.
Attendees were able to experience Emirates’ enhanced cabin features, which include increased storage, higher ceilings, and wider aisles in all travel classes. The aircraft also showcases the airline’s latest in-flight entertainment system, designed for cinematic viewing experiences with improved cabin lighting, faster Wi-Fi connectivity, and enhanced seat ergonomics.
Executive Statements
Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline, highlighted the significance of the airline’s participation in France’s leading aerospace exhibition.
Clark remarked that attending the Paris Air Show reflects Emirates’ dedication to bolstering France’s aviation sector through daily operations and ongoing investments in the aerospace supply chain.
The executive emphasized the importance of this platform as one of the premier aerospace exhibitions in the world.
French Route Operations
Emirates (EK) currently offers extensive services to France, maintaining 21 weekly flights to Paris (CDG), including three daily Airbus A380 services.
The airline also provides daily A380 service to Nice (NCE) and daily A350 flights to Lyon (LYS).
Emirates holds the unique position of being the first and only international airline operating A380 aircraft to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE).
Since beginning operations in 1985, Emirates has made substantial investments in France’s aviation sector.
The airline has invested over €114 billion (US$130 billion) in acquiring 254 Airbus aircraft, which includes models like A300, A310, A330, A340-300, A340-500, A380, and A350 models.
These acquisitions have provided thousands of jobs within leading French aerospace companies, such as Airbus, Safran, and Thales.
Recent Contracts
In 2023, Emirates (EK) confirmed significant contracts with French suppliers worth over €1.0 billion (US$1.14 billion) collectively.
The agreements include a €896 million (US$1.0 billion) contract with Safran Seats for Emirates’ new Airbus A350, Boeing 777X-9, and current Boeing 777-300ER aircraft fleets.
Furthermore, the airline has allocated over €322 million (US$367.5 million) towards Thales’ AVANT Up system for its A350 aircraft.
Emirates (EK) maintains strategic alliances with French manufacturers, acquiring Michelin tires, Safran aircraft components, seating systems, and Thales avionics equipment.
The airline’s sourcing extends to specialized products, and France remains Emirates’ primary global supplier for wine procurement, where Bordeaux wine constitutes 58% of the red wine served in its First and Business Class cabins.
Future Plans
Emirates (EK) contributes over €189 million (US$215 million) annually to the French economy through operational expenditures, including fuel purchases, overflight fees, catering services, landing charges, crew logistics, and advertising expenses.
Emirates SkyCargo carries out weekly cargo rotations connecting Dubai World Central, Paris Charles de Gaulle, and Lyon Saint-Exupery airports, facilitating trade between the UAE and France, which is France’s largest Middle Eastern export partner.
The airline anticipates its A350 fleet will serve 17 destinations by the end of the year, having welcomed seven A350 aircraft, with an additional 58 units set for delivery in the coming years.
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Sakshi is currently a DGCA Commercial Pilot and is working her way into the Indian Aviation industry. While aviation fuels her passion, she has a flair for writing captivating articles and short stories, and is deeply interested in sports, fitness, and Elon Musk’s Tesla!
Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/06/18/emirates-returns-to-paris-air-show-2025/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=emirates-returns-to-paris-air-show-2025
