2017 Paris Air Show produces an unexpected flurry of ordering. Lessor purchasers were prominent

After a slow period for ordering during early 2017 and a muted sales outlook from manufacturers, expectations for the 2017 edition of the Paris Air Show were muted. However, the event proved to be far busier than anticipated. Deals covering almost 1,200 aircraft were announced, making Paris the busiest air show since 2013.

Boeing led the ordering honours by a wide margin, capturing agreements for a total of 754 aircraft. The US manufacturer managed to beat its European rival decisively on home turf.

Airbus typically pulls out the stops for high profile air show events and leaves with top honours. However, the company announced deals for just 346 aircraft - a better than expected total, but this was cold comfort measured against Boeing's total.