Paris Air Show (Le Bourget)

Credit for media: SIAE.FR

From roaring jet engines to silent supersonic breakthroughs, the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget has long been the beating heart of aviation progress. Hosted biennially, it attracts over 300,000 visitors from around the globe and serves not only as a stunning public spectacle of aerial acrobatics and engineering prowess, but also as the world’s largest aviation trade show, where more than 2,500 exhibitors showcase the latest in aerospace innovation—civilian, military, and increasingly, space-related.

As we look back on over a century of aviation milestones, here are some defining historical moments from the Paris Air Show’s timeline:

🛩 1909 – The First Paris Air Show Takes Flight

The very first Salon de l’Aéronautique was held in 1909, introducing a stunned public to the miracles of powered flight. Among the stars of the show were the Wright Brothers, who brought their aircraft to Europe and demonstrated manned flight—forever changing global perception of aviation’s future.

🛬 1927 – Lindbergh Arrives to a Frenzied Crowd

After completing the first solo transatlantic flight, Charles Lindbergh and his aircraft, the Spirit of St. Louis, appeared at the 1927 show. The reception was nothing short of fanatical—Lindbergh was mobbed by an exhilarated public, symbolizing aviation’s rise to global fascination.

✈️ 1969 – Boeing 747 Debuts as the Largest Jetliner

In a show of American aerospace might, Boeing unveiled the 747 at the 1969 Air Show—the largest passenger aircraft in the world at the time. The plane flew nonstop from Seattle-Tacoma to Le Bourget with only 27 flight hours under its belt, wowing audiences and setting a new standard for global air travel.

🔥 1973 – Tragedy and Supersonic Rivalry

The world watched as both the Concorde and the Soviet Tu-144 took to the skies in 1973, competing as supersonic passenger planes. But the show turned tragic when the Tu-144 crashed during its demonstration, killing six crew members and eight on the ground—marking the darkest day in the air show's history.

🚀 1987 – Ariane 4 Rocket Makes Space Personal

Europe showed it was ready to reach beyond the clouds when the Ariane 4 rocket was revealed in 1987. Developed by the European Space Agency, it underscored a new frontier for the Paris Air Show: commercial spaceflight and orbital independence.

🌍 2007 – The F-22 Raptor’s European Debut

The United States Air Force finally unveiled its stealthy ace, the F-22 Raptor, to European audiences in 2007. Its appearance—complete with mind-bending maneuvers—marked the aircraft's first public demonstration on the continent, thrilling defense analysts and airshow fans alike.

🌱 2011 – Green Skies Ahead

In 2011, sustainability took center stage. The introduction of the Green Pavilion highlighted pioneering efforts in biofuels, electric aviation, and hybrid propulsion systems, signaling the industry's commitment to a cleaner, more sustainable future in flight.

🌐 2025 – The 55th Edition Welcomes the World

Held from June 16 to June 22, the 2025 Paris Air Show marked its 55th edition at Le Bourget, welcoming over 300,000 visitors and solidifying its place as the global nexus for cutting-edge innovation in aerospace. From hypersonic jets to autonomous drones, the sky was no longer the limit—it was the starting line.