The Paris Air Show, marking its 100th anniversary, has come a long way since it was first staged at the Grand Palais in the center of the French capital back 1909. It has long been a truly global gathering of the aerospace and defense industries. Here French journalist Gil Roy continues his reflections on the greatest moments from the salon du Bourget’s illustrious history with a look at how flying displays became an integral part of the event. In tomorrow’s edition of AIN he will conclude the series.
While the 18th edition of the international airshow was being held at the Grand Palais just off the Champs-Elyées in the center of Paris, on May 14, 1949, 27 aircraft were taking part in flying displays out at Orly Airport. It was a first. It was also a great popular success which convinced organizers that a static exhibition alone would no longer be sufficient. It would be necessary to show flying machines in action.
