MIKE MARTIN
Paris 2001 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting shows for years. A host of sexy aircraft, new programmes, a re-shaped industry and a new approach to how the major aerospace players present themselves at shows promises to make this year a vintage event.
There's a sense of excitement around Le Bourget and it's not just because this show is the biggest ever. Though at 1,800 the number of exhibitors is down on 1999, the number of chalets is 10% up and 43 countries are represented at the show, against 41 two years ago. Belarus and Georgia are exhibiting for the first time; Finland for the first time since 1995.
Nearly 250 aircraft will be on show, with a good number making their debut. They include the Airbus A340-600, the Boeing 737-900, the re-engined Antonov An-225 mega-lifter and the Tupolev Tu-334. Also here for the first time is the Northrup-Grumman Global Hawk UAV.
Intense
There will be intense interest in the Airbus A380 programme, with supplier announcements expected as well as possibly more orders, and in Boeing¹s plans for the Sonic Cruiser.
Fresh from the round of consolidation in the industry, the tier one players have reorganised the way they present themselves at the show. Boeing, EADS and Raytheon have all opted for company pavilions on the airport apron rather than hall space to present their wares.
BAE Systems, which pioneered the idea, has its own pavilion too. It's a strong trend - enabling better business to be done and significant savings on staff at shows - but was won only after some tough negotiations with organisers GIFAS.
The organisers have been innovating too. Hall 1 will host the Global Solutions Pavilion with the aim of presenting products and services sector by sector. Five sectors are planned: Space and communications, telecommunications, metals for the millennium, onboard cabin comfort and business aviation.
A series of workshops and presentations are planned around each theme.
There is also a feast of flying planned, with the display running from 11:00-17:00 hours.
Biggest the show may be, but can it possibly set records in orders? The show did two years ago when the total hit some $25 billion. Then came Farnborough and a staggering $42 billion worth of orders, mostly for airliners and regional jets.
It will be tough, but there is a buzz around the park that suggests anything could happen.
Source: Flight Daily News
