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Crowded exhibit floor at the 2025 Paris Air Show. Source | CW

The 2025 Paris Air Show (PAS) in mid-June offered a compelling snapshot of an aerospace industry in transition — one balancing the legacy of past programs with the momentum of new visions. While commercial aerospace continues its long climb back from pandemic-era disruption, the focus is on forging a path forward. Despite global supply chain constraints and rising geopolitical uncertainty, the tone among suppliers and OEMs was one of optimism, with the industry investing heavily in the technologies, materials and partnerships that will define the next generation of flight.

Numerous thermoplastic composite parts were showcased at Airbus’ Paris Air Lab. Source | CW

Airbus took center stage at the event, riding a wave of strategic wins and dominating aircraft order tallies with more than 400 announced orders. Meanwhile, Boeing’s presence at the show was muted in the wake of the Air India 787 crash only weeks before, adding to the difficult few years that Boeing has already been facing regarding the 737.

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Airbus used its position to frame the future. The company spoke openly about its plans for a next-generation single-aisle aircraft (NGSA), expected to replace the A320 and enter service around 2037. While Boeing is widely expected to respond in kind, Airbus’ visibility at Paris signals confidence — and suggests that the supply chain should begin preparing.

For composite material suppliers and manufacturers especially, a new NGSA will present a great deal of opportunity. Long assumed to feature composite wings and tail structures, many industry experts at PAS were optimistic about the potential for a fully composite fuselage as well. This shift has major implications and could potentially double the amount of composite material content per aircraft. With a monthly demand of 75-100 units per OEM, the NGSA represents one of the most significant growth markets for structural composites in decades.

The Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD), a decade-long project involving numerous industry partners, illustrates numerous processes and technologies for manufacturing primary aerospace structures using thermoplastic composites. CW brand VP Jeff Sloan (left) and editor-in-chief Scott Francis (right) had the opportunity to discuss the project with Arnt Offringa of GKN Aerospace (center). Source | GKN Aerospace

Thermoplastic composites (TPC) are expected to play a pivotal role here. Airbus, along with several partners, showcased parts at the show made from bio-based resins and recyclable TPC, reinforcing its intent to modernize not just the aircraft, but how aircraft are made. TPC welding and advanced in automation advances were all on display as suppliers underscored their readiness to scale production of large structural components.

While NGSA programs are still years away from launch, demand for high-performance composites is still largely driven by other aerospace programs at large. Specifically, the defense and space markets commanded a lot of attention at PAS. From drone components to satellite structures, the intersection of materials innovation and geopolitical urgency was on full display. The war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East and tensions in Taiwan have accelerated defense spending globally, driving demand for lightweight, durable materials that perform in harsh environments and high-temperatures.

The 2025 Paris Air Show included the Paris Space Hub exhibit dedicated to the growing space sector. Source  | CW

In the private sector, the space race is also driving demand for composite materials. Rocket launch systems and next-gen satellites are proving to be dynamic markets, pushing material developers to innovate faster and manufacturers to deliver at unprecedented scale.

The buzz around advanced air mobility (AAM) was tempered this year by recent market corrections. Several startups have exited the space, leaving a core group of viable players — Joby, Archer, Beta, Pipistrel and Embraer — to carry the banner forward. Still, progress continues. Joby and Archer expect FAA certification in 2025, with commercial operations slated to begin in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, followed by global rollout through 2026 and 2027. In Paris, executives in this sector stressed scalable, composite-intensive production strategies enabled by automation and public-private partnerships.

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Ultimately this year’s international air show was a clear reminder that aerospace is much more than the commercial aircraft industry. The sector is rapidly diversifying — spanning defense, space and mobility — with composites playing a central role across all fronts. From TPC fuselages for future airliners to composite propulsion tanks to lightweight structures for eVTOLs and electric- or hydrogen-powered aircraft, composite materials are the common thread connecting ambition to execution.

And while macroeconomic pressures remain, the investments and innovations showcased at this year’s PAS suggest a future that’s not just lighter and stronger — but smarter, more sustainable and ready for the challenges ahead.