The biennial event, one of the aviation industry's biggest global gatherings, kicked off in the United Kingdom with significant orders for Boeing and Airbus aircraft, alongside major engine agreements involving some of the world's largest carriers and aircraft lessors.
Despite the flurry of announcements, industry sources said overall commitments are unlikely to reach the previously anticipated 800 aircraft or more, as both Airbus and Boeing continue to face supply-chain disruptions and production bottlenecks that have slowed aircraft deliveries.
SMBC Aviation Capital places 200-aircraft order
One of the biggest announcements came from aircraft leasing giant SMBC Aviation Capital, which placed substantial orders with both Boeing and Airbus.
Boeing said SMBC ordered 100 aircraft from its 737 MAX family, comprising 60 of the larger 737-10 jets and 40 of the 737-8 variant. The agreement marks the leasing company's first purchase of the 737-10, the highest-capacity model in Boeing's narrow-body MAX family.
SMBC also confirmed a firm order for 100 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, including 65 A321neo and 35 A320neo jets. Deliveries are scheduled to begin during the first half of the next decade, strengthening the lessor's portfolio of fuel-efficient single-aisle aircraft.
IndiGo signs record engine agreement
India's largest airline, IndiGo, signed a memorandum of understanding with CFM International to acquire more than 1,000 LEAP-1A engines in what would represent a record engine order for the manufacturer.
The agreement comes at a time when CFM International has faced criticism from airlines over maintenance delays affecting some of its engines, making the landmark deal a significant vote of confidence in the engine maker.
Riyadh Air expands Airbus and Boeing fleet
Saudi Arabia's fast-growing Riyadh Air announced new commitments to both Boeing and Airbus as it prepares for future expansion.
The airline exercised options for 28 additional Boeing 787 Dreamliners from an order originally placed in 2023, while also upgrading 20 of those aircraft to the larger 787-10 model.
In a separate announcement, Riyadh Air confirmed an order for six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, increasing its total firm order for the long-haul widebody jet to 31 aircraft.
Philippine Airlines orders Dreamliners
Boeing also secured a new agreement with Philippine Airlines for up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners.
The deal includes 15 firm aircraft orders and options for five more, further strengthening the partnership between the American manufacturer and the Philippine flag carrier, which spans more than eight decades.
Although Philippine Airlines already operates Boeing aircraft, including the 777-300ER, the airline has never flown the 787-10 Dreamliner.
Additional agreements announced
Japan's Skymark Airlines reached an agreement with Aviation Capital Group to lease seven Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, with deliveries expected to begin in 2028.
Airbus recorded its first aircraft-related order of the show after the United Kingdom's National Police Air Service committed to acquiring two additional H135 helicopters. The purchase expands the agency's fleet renewal programme to nine helicopters, with deliveries also scheduled for 2028.
Engine manufacturers secure major contracts
Beyond aircraft orders, leading engine manufacturers also secured significant business.
British Airways selected Pratt & Whitney GTF engines to power up to 63 incoming Airbus A320neo family aircraft, covering 33 firm orders and 30 optional aircraft.
Meanwhile, Singapore-based aircraft lessor BOC Aviation announced its largest-ever engine agreement, ordering and securing options for up to 300 CFM International engines to support its expanding fleet of Airbus and Boeing narrow-body aircraft.
With several more days of announcements expected, attention remains focused on whether manufacturers can translate strong airline demand into firm orders despite ongoing production constraints that continue to challenge the global aerospace industry.