Boeing’s new aircraft and innovative technologies attracted thousands of customers, partners, government officials and media at the 2011 Paris Air Show.

“The excitement and enthusiasm for the products and technologies Boeing showcased at the show have validated our belief in the strength of what is the world’s newest and most innovative family of commercial airplanes,” said Charlie Miller, vice president, International Communications. “We also highlighted the breadth and depth of our defense business and we met with literally thousands of our key customers, partners and suppliers.”

The show saw the international debut of Boeing’s newest commercial aircraft models – the 747-8 Intercontinental and 747-8 Freighter – together with the appearance of the innovative 787 Dreamliner.

The new 747-8 Freighter flew to Le Bourget with all four engines powered by a fuel blend containing 15 percent camelina-based biofuel, achieving the world’s first transatlantic crossing of a commercial jetliner with biofuels.

And Boeing and American Airlines announced that the airline will be the launch partner for the ecoDemonstrator Program, a Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft that will be used to flight test emerging technologies and accelerate their market readiness.

Other Boeing highlights at the show included the presence of an Air Berlin 737-700 with the new Boeing Sky Interior; a Qatar Airways Boeing 777-200LR, the world’s longest-range passenger jetliner; a C-17 Globemaster III military airlifter; an F-15E Strike Eagle multi-role fighter jet, and a CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopter.

As evidence of the market’s continuing recovery, airline and leasing company customers announced orders and commitments for 142 airplanes representing models from across the Boeing family – Next-Generation 737, 767, 777, 787 and the 747-8. Combined, the orders and commitments are valued at more than $22 billion – a powerful validation of the demand for Boeing’s fuel-efficient and market-leading products.