Breaking previous records with eco-efficient engines

So what's the air show all about this time? It's all about new trends, about new aircraft that have an unprecedented range, about engines that offer game-changing efficiency and economics – in a nutshell: about everything the future of aviation has in store for us. When the industry's Who's Who gathers at Le Bourget Exhibition Center for the most prestigious air show of the year, which runs through June 26, MTU Aero Engines doesn't miss out on the opportunity to showcase its products and expertise.

Throughout the years, the event has always been a big crowd puller ever since the first Salon International de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace Paris le Bourget was held some 100 years ago.

The organizers expect to
attract 340,000 visitors.

In the past years, it succeeded in breaking new records on almost every occasion, and it will do so again this year: The number of exhibitors participating will reach the 2,110 mark, more than ever before. The organizers expect to attract 340,000 visitors and to welcome 200 international delegations. About 3,000 accredited journalists will be sending out news and stories around the world.

The two major airframers Airbus and Boeing, in particular, have overcome the crisis of the past couple of years and added a large number of new contracts to their order books. But the manufacturers of regional jets, as for instance Bombardier, also made a powerful showing at this, the world's largest air show. Diverse as the aircraft ordered may be, they have one thing in common: Efficiency. Small wonder that MTU will be contributing to numerous engines that will power these new jets.

Mockup of the geared turbofan
engine on display at MTU's booth.

"When it comes to engine technologies, we are a pacesetter, and that's what we want to convey to a broad audience at Le Bourget," explains Eckhard Zanger, MTU senior vice president, corporate communications. MTU will continue to rely on its trade show concept adopted in the past few years. This is why energy efficiency and its positive environmental impact will remain the focus at its booth AB254 in Hall 2a.

MTU will exhibit a full-scale mockup of Claire (geared turbofan), which will allow visitors to take a close look at tomorrow's engine technology. Another highlight will be the turbine casing for the GEnx engine, which will power two new Boeing long-haul aircraft. One exhibit depicting military engine technology will be a cut-up model of the EJ200, which powers the Eurofighter/Typhoon.

Text: Thorsten Rienth