AHMEDABAD, India, June 15, 2025
An Air India boeing 787 Dreamliner crashed in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday,
killing all but one of the 242 people on board, a tragic event that has
cast a shadow over the upcoming Paris Air Show.
Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg canceled his plans to attend the air show,
focusing on the inquiry into the fatal crash.
- An Air India Dreamliner crashed in India, resulting in 241 fatalities.
-
The crash prompted Boeing’s CEO to cancel his appearance at the Paris Air
Show. -
The Paris Air Show will still see notable aircraft orders despite the
tragedy and global tensions.
What impact will the recent Air india crash have on the aviation
industry? The aviation world is reeling from the Air India crash, a
Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner disaster that has already led to significant
changes, including the cancellation of the Boeing CEO’s appearance at the
Paris Air Show, which commences on Sunday.
The aviation industry’s premier trade event, the Paris Air Show, is held
every other year, alternating with the Farnborough Air Show in the U.K.Its
a dazzling showcase of aerospace innovation,where Boeing,Airbus,and
others unveil their latest aircraft and vie for lucrative orders. This
year, however, the somber backdrop of a fatal crash and escalating global
tensions threatens to dampen the usual celebratory atmosphere.
reader question:-How do you think the increased focus on military spending will affect innovation in commercial aviation?
The Air India crash, the first fatal air disaster of a boeing Dreamliner,
occurred when the more than 11-year-old aircraft, en route to London,
crashed shortly after takeoff. The sole survivor,an India-born British
national,offers a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy. The cause of the
crash remains under investigation, with “black boxes” expected to provide
crucial insights.
“As our industry prepares to start the Paris Air Show, Stephanie and I have
both canceled plans to attend so we can be with our team, and focus on our
customer and the investigation,” said Kelly Ortberg, referring to Boeing
Commercial Airplanes CEO Stephanie pope. In a note to employees late
Thursday, Ortberg acknowledged the importance of the investigation,
stating, “It is indeed crucial that we do not speculate about the accident and
let the investigators do their work.”
Did you know?-The “black boxes” are actually painted shining orange to aid in their recovery after a crash. They record flight data and cockpit audio.
Beyond the tragedy, escalating geopolitical tensions are also influencing
the air show. Overnight missile strikes launched by Israel on Iran,
followed by Iranian drone attacks, have led to flight cancellations and
diversions, impacting the event. These events are expected to shift focus
towards military budgets and spending, while also raising concerns about
the impact on commercial air travel.
Despite these challenges, the show must go on. Boeing, Airbus, and embraer
are anticipated to secure hundreds of aircraft orders, with strong demand
ensuring long wait times for new models. Boeing forecasts a need for 43,600
commercial airplanes over the next two decades, with emerging markets
driving growth.
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Ongoing issues like a shortage of trained workers and fluctuating tariffs
are further complicating matters, affecting aircraft deliveries and costs.
For example, the price of a new Airbus A321neo rose to $65 million by the
end of April, up from $58 million at the start of 2023, and a Boeing 737
Max 8 cost about $55.5 million in April, compared with $50.25 million in
early 2023.
“It used to be all about single-aisle orders,” said Richard Aboulafia,
managing director at aerospace consulting firm AeroDynamic Advisory. Now,
“everyone is booking these monster twin-aisle orders for international
traffic.”
U.K.-based IBA predicted manufacturers could see between 700 and 800
commercial aircraft orders during the Paris show, a tally that includes
firm orders, options, and looser commitments like purchase intention
letters and memoranda of understanding.
Customers could include Ethiopian Airlines and Polish carrier Lot, as well
as Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, Royal Air Maroc, Etihad and Saudi carrier
Riyadh, said Ishka.
Air India, which Ishka had previously listed as a potential customer, was
no longer expected to buy new planes given last week’s tragedy.
Lease rates are also increasing for older aircraft. A 12-year-old Boeing
737 costs $241,000 a month to rent as of the end of April, up nearly 42%
from two years earlier, and an Airbus A320 of the same age was $239,000 a
month, a 50% gain, according to IBA Insight, another aviation data firm.
Since orders are placed years in advance, Aboulafia said he doesn’t expect
a big impact on demand because of the crash, tho some might be held back
during the show. “It’s a terrible tragedy. It doesn’t make anyone’s lives
easier,” he said. “I just don’t think given what we know now it has
anything to do with the design or the build of the airplane. it sure
doesn’t look like it.”
