Article Posted on : - Jun 21, 2011

Paris Air Show (Paris-Le Bourget International Air and Space Exhibition) is one of the biggest and most reputed air shows in the world, held at Le Bourget airport in northeast suburb of Paris.

LE BOURGET, PARIS (PTI): Deafening roar of aircraft split the skylines as Paris Air Show -- the world's largest aviation and space industry event began here today under overcast conditions Monday with major players announcing several multi-billion dollar deals.

The enthusiasm was slightly blighted after an Airbus A380 super jumbo was damaged and grounded when its wing tip struck a taxiway structure.

The Airbus' star jumbo had suffered damage to its wing tip after it collided with a building at the Le Bourget airport, where the six-day event is taking place with participation of nearly 2,100 international exhibitors including top aircraft manufacturers and aerospace firms.

With Airbus super jumbo out of show due to the accident, it was the Boeing's new 747-8 jumbo that hogged all the limelights at the prestigious show which has been a leading event in the aviation and air defence system for over 100 years.

It was a sort of double whammy for the Airbus as it had to cancel a scheduled demonstration flight of its A400M military transport aircraft due to a minor technical problem.

An Airbus official later said an A380 operated by Korean Air will participate in the air show as replacement for the damaged aircraft.

Inspite of the first day glitches, major defence industry players were quite upbeat about opportunities in the aviation and aerospace industry and identified Middle East and India as places of great opportunity.

American defence major Boeing announced orders and commitments for 17 orders for its latest jumbo 747-8 Intercontinentals.

The 747-8 Intercontinental can seat 467 passengers - 51 more than the current 747 - while ensuring better fuel efficiency. The new plane was unveiled in February this year.

Placed by two undisclosed customer, the orders are valued at a combined USD 5.4 billion at list prices. One customer has committed to 15 of the new passenger version of the 747-8 while the other placed an order for two.

"These orders for the 747-8 Intercontinental mark a major milestone for the programme and demonstrate the market's need for an airplane of its size and range," said Jim Albaugh, president and CEO, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

"It will play a valuable role in further growing these carriers long-haul route networks."

The orders bring the 747-8 Intercontinental total backlog to 50 firm aircraft, plus five from a commitment from Air China contingent on Chinese Government approval. It also brings the total 747-8 backlog, including 76 747-8 Freighters, to 126.

The new 747-8 Intercontinental carries 467 passengers in a three-class configuration.

It features a new wing design, an upgraded flight deck, and its interior incorporates features from the 787 Dreamliner, including a new curved, up swept architecture that will give passengers a greater sense of space and comfort while adding more room for personal belongings.