Paris Air Show 2025 insights from Giovanni Bevilacqua, Business Development Director at Foundrion Group and Mitchell Aerospace Inc.
When Giovanni Bevilacqua and Guillermo Alonso from Mitchell Aerospace landed at the 2025 Paris Air Show, they weren’t there to unveil a product—they were there to observe, connect, and return with valuable Paris Air Show 2025 insights. What they brought back offers a compelling look at the future of aerospace and what it means for the sand casting industry.
Around 300,000 visitors passed through the gates of the world’s largest aerospace exhibition this year (though, as Giovanni jokes, “Don’t quote me—double check the numbers!”). He was almost right—the official website confirms that 305,200 unique visitors attended this year’s show. But what truly made the event memorable wasn’t just foot traffic. It was the pulse of the industry: innovation, sustainability, and a pressing hunger for capacity.
We sat down with Giovanni to unpack the highlights and what they mean for the sand-casting world.
A Show of Scale and Substance
The first thing that struck Giovanni? The scale.
“Everyone who’s anyone in aerospace was there,” he said. “From rivets to complete aircraft—the supply chain was on full display.”
As part of the Québec delegation, Giovanni had the opportunity to rekindle relationships with existing OEMs and tiered suppliers, while also being introduced to promising new contacts. “That was a big win—connecting with customers, nurturing old ties, and finding new opportunities all in one place.”
Electric Dreams and Drone Dominance
One of the clearest trends? Electric aerial vehicles and next-gen drones.
From compact battery-powered air taxis to four- and six-seater passenger crafts, the future felt more Jetsons than Jules Verne. “There were at least three or four major companies showcasing drones that you can actually ride,” Giovanni shared. “They want to make it so easy that anyone could fly one.”
With that, digital integration and material innovation were also front and center. Lightweight designs and sustainable components are shaping tomorrow’s aircraft—but they’re also reshaping the demands on suppliers.
Guillermo Alonso (L) and Giovanni Bevilacqua (R) from Mitchell Aerospace at the 2025 Paris Air Show, Paris–Le Bourget Airport, France.
So… Where Does Sand Casting Fit In?
Despite the rapid rise of 3D metal-printing and additive manufacturing, Giovanni remains confident: sand casting isn’t going anywhere.
“There are properties you simply can’t replicate with other methods,” he explained. “Engineers might not always want to rely on casting, but in many cases, they have to. It still delivers strength, complex geometry, and scalability in ways that newer technologies can’t always match.”
One insight that stood out? OEMs are actively searching for more sand casting capacity—even beyond their usual list of aerospace-focused foundries. That could mean new opportunities for foundries with the right technical capabilities and willingness to pursue aerospace qualifications.
“If you have the capabilities and can get your certifications, they’re open to new players,” said Giovanni. “That’s huge.”
Materials Matter: Magnesium’s Rise (and Limits)
Among metals, magnesium remains a top contender for lightweight applications—but it’s not without its challenges.
“Magnesium offers better weight reduction than aluminum, ”Giovanni noted, “but not every foundry is willing to pour it because of the fire risk. It’s becoming a niche capability.”
The Mood: Growth, Not Just Recovery
So, what’s the overarching sentiment coming out of Paris?
In a word: growth.
“There’s still a lot of pressure on the supply chain,” Giovanni said. “Aircrafts need to be replaced. OEMs are looking for resilience and scalability—suppliers who can keep up.”
That need for scalability, speed, and technical excellence could spell opportunity for groups like Foundrion—especially those willing to meet the sector’s evolving expectations head-on.
One Final Surprise: A Taste of First Class
While Rolls-Royce’s elusive auto display may have been missing, Giovanni did get a glimpse of luxury—courtesy of Qatar Airways.
“They had a full mock-up of their first and business class cabins,” he said. “You could sit down and immerse yourself in the cabin’s state-of-the-art luxury features—from the lie-flat seats to the interactive entertainment system—it felt like you were actually in flight. Pretty cool experience.”
What It All Means for Foundries
The aerospace industry is expanding—fast. With drones taking center stage, sustainability leading material innovation, and OEMs on the hunt for scalable casting partners, now may be the perfect time for capable foundries to step forward.
As Giovanni put it: “They’re not just sticking with who they know. They’re looking around. If you’re ready, there’s room at the table.”
Looking Ahead
As the aerospace industry evolves, the message from Paris is clear: innovation is only as strong as the supply chain behind it. For sand casting foundries—especially those with the ambition and technical edge to serve aerospace—this is a moment of opportunity. Whether it’s adapting to new materials, scaling to meet demand, or stepping into previously uncharted sectors, Foundrion Group is ready to shape what’s next. The runway is open—and the future is casting-shaped.