Final Numbers Released On Attendance And Exhibitors

The 100th anniversary of the Paris Air Show saw solid numbers for attendance and participation by vendors, despite opening against a backdrop of global economic recession which is affecting air travel, business, and general aviation. The official numbers released this week include:

• 2,000 exhibitors from 48 countries.
• 142 aircraft on display, including over 42 for flight demonstrations.
• 205 official delegations from 88 countries.
• 62 official French delegations.
• 140,000 professional visitors.
• More than 3,000 journalists.
• 380,000 public entries, including 140,000 professional visitors, 205,000 public visitors, French & foreign delegations, journalists and exhibitors.
• The show’s 100th anniversary was celebrated with flight demonstrations from about 30 classic aircraft, reminders of the years 1909 to 1960.
• For the first time since 1975, a performance from the Patrouille de France which was granted authorisation to fly over Bourget on both Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the show’s centennial.

The show was opened by François Fillon, the French Prime Minister. The French President, Nicolas Sarkozy, paid a visit to the show on Saturday, and eleven government ministers attended during the week. Louis Le Portz, the show’s chief executive, said “Though the 100th Paris Air Show opened against the backdrop of the global economic crisis, it has been a particularly successful professional event and a very popular outing with the public. The Paris Air Show in Le Bourget has once again confirmed its position as the leading international air show“.

FMI: www.paris-air-show.com