Organizers of the International Paris Air Show 2015 (here in Hall 1 Stand A15) opened reservations for exhibit space in April and have already seen 40 percent of the available space booked. This is an increase over the same time for the previous edition, CEO Emeric d’Arcimoles told AIN. Rates remain the same as the 2013 event, he said.
Except for the weather, which was quite stormy, the 2013 show was deemed a great success. The number of exhibitors increased by 5 percent to 2,200, 140,000 trade visitors passed through the gates, and exhibitors announced some $150 billion worth of orders.
Nevertheless, the organizers promise they will continue to invest in improving the service for exhibitors and visitors. “Given the limited space we have, our priority is improving the quality of the facilities and ensuring the show runs smoothly,” d’Arcimoles emphasized. Over the past 10 years, a $68 million investment plan has further improved the Le Bourget exhibition center, as its promoters want it to be one of the best equipped in France.
The Paris Air Show is certified under the new ISO 20121 standard for sustainable events. The standard offers guidance and best practices to help event organizers control its social, economic and environmental impact. This can go from relying on tap water instead of plastic bottles to encouraging use of public transport.
French Industry
Meanwhile, the French aerospace industry seems to be in excellent shape, with its combined order book representing five to six years of production, D’Arcimoles said. All the players are grouped under the Gifas lobbying association, from prime contractors to small- and medium-sized enterprises, with all the systems and parts manufacturers in between.
“There is permanent dialogue between all those involved and they are all united,” d’Arcimoles claimed. “The French aerospace industry is dual–both civil and military–and therefore all-encompassing.”
Referring to the nine percent revenue growth in 2013 and the hiring of 10,000 people this year, d’Arcimoles concluded these “fantastic numbers” make the French aerospace industry a technology and economic center of excellence. The trade balance was positive by $30 million last year and is expected to be in the black again for 2014.
The next International Paris Air Show will take place June 15 to 21, 2015.