The Paris Air Show

This chapter elaborates on the status, history, core functions, and significance of the Paris Air Show. Defined as the world’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious aerospace platform, its origin is traced to the 1909 International Aviation Exhibition in Paris, noting interruptions and its post-1919 biennial cycle. Key data from the 2015 edition is cited. Four core roles are detailed: showcasing cutting-edge technology, embodying global cooperation, promoting aviation popularization, and displaying national and corporate brands. The chapter concludes that the show serves as both a hub for technological innovation and a silent battlefield for national aerospace competitiveness, driving industry progress and global collaboration.