Aircraft
Debutantes Take Bow at Paris Salon
The list of new aircraft that were flown to the Paris Air Show is surprisingly large this year.
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have brought two F-35A stealth fighters to Paris. This is the international debut for the conventional takeoff and landing version of the Lightning II. The airshow display is being flown by company test pilot Billie Flynn, and shows a considerably extended envelope, compared to the F-35B routine at Farnborough last year. Be aware, Flynn will have a mandatory rest day Thursday, so no F-35 demonstration that day. (Photo: David McIntosh)
Lockheed Martin and the U.S. Air Force have brought two F-35A stealth fighters to Paris. This is the international debut for the conventional takeoff and landing version of the Lightning II. The airshow display is being flown by company test pilot Billie Flynn, and shows a considerably extended envelope, compared to the F-35B routine at Farnborough last year. Be aware, Flynn will have a mandatory rest day Thursday, so no F-35 demonstration that day. (Photo: David McIntosh)

As the aviation industry convenes in Paris for the city’s biennial Salon Du Bourget, aircraft manufacturers and integrators have pulled out all the stops to show their newest flying machines to visitors from all over the world. They also hope to solidify some sales, or at least pave the way for future transactions. There are 130 aircraft at this year’s show (36 of which feature in flying display), more than enough to satisfy the curiosity of the most avid aviation geek, or fit the needs of any type of buyer.