Article from BTNews 24 JUNE 2019
Paris: Surprises and nostalgia
The Paris Air Show threw up surprises – and nostalgia – last week, writes Alison Chambers. Nostalgia came in the return of the de Havilland brand and logo Viking Aircraft has adopted for the Dash 8 series acquired from Bombardier.
And surprise in IAG Group’s 200-strong “letter of intent” for the Boeing B737 MAX (8 and 10 Series), bringing a significant boost for the beleaguered programme.
As expected, Airbus announced the Airbus A321XLR, with launch customers MEA Middle East Airlines and Air Lease Corporation committing to the 180 to 220-seat, 4,700nm single-aisle aircraft, scheduled to enter service in 2023.
By the show’s close, 10 customers had declared orders and options for more than 240 aircraft, including IAG (28 – primarily for Aer Lingus and Iberia), American Airlines, Qantas and Indigo Partners for partner airlines including Wizz Air and Frontier.
Hybrid/electric aircraft and sustainability were front and centre. Rolls-Royce announced its plans to acquire the electric division of Germany’s Siemens Aircraft, set to complete by year-end.
Among first-time exhibitors was Israel’s Eviation Aircraft, showcasing its full-scale prototype “Alice Commuter”. Eviation announced a 10-plus aircraft order from the USA’s Cape Air.
“Alice” will be the company’s first electric aircraft (featuring three Siemens electric motors with Hartzell propellers), ushering in an exciting new era in commuter/regional aviation.
(See also All-electric Energic takes off in this issue). 
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John Davidson, France
MEA: A Lebanese friend of mine once told me that the initials stand for "miss every appointment". That was 10 years ago. Has there been any change in management and on-time performance?