The International Paris Air Show with ASC’s Anaya Vardya

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

So many have wanted to attend, but so few have. The International Paris Air show is the crème de la crème of the world’s trade shows. This is the big one, where all the aircraft, airline and defense aerospace companies meet to introduce new products, discuss the future of aviation, and make deals— big deals.

For the past few years, American Standard Circuits has been attending the Paris Air Show as part of an Illinois delegation, and they have found it a very worthwhile endeavor. Located in West Chicago, American Standard Circuits is one of North America’s leading independent space, defense and aerospace printed circuit board producers.

This year I decided to talk to my friend Anaya Vardya, ASC’s president and CEO, about the show, why he goes and what it’s like.

Dan Beaulieu: Anaya, Thanks for taking the time out of your busy schedule to talk with me today. There are many us who are fascinated by the International Paris Air Show. What is the show like?

Anaya Vardya: My pleasure, Dan. First, it is the world’s largest and most important air show. It is also the oldest, which is interesting. The first Paris Air Show was first held in 1909, and since 1949 it has been held every odd year. It is held at Le Bourget Airport which, by the way, is the same airport where Charles Lindbergh landed after his flight in 1927. The event starts with four professional days closed to the public; and then on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday the public is allowed in. More than 350,000 people attend every year, including dignitaries from all over the world. This year was no exception, with the show officially opened by new French President Macron. Many high-level U.S. officials attended, including the Honorable Uzra Zeya, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of United States, the Honorable Elaine Chao, Secretary of Transportation, and many governors, senators, and congresspersons.

Beaulieu: So, I would assume that the United States is well represented.

Vardya: Absolutely, the USA pavilion houses most of the US companies. More than 300 US companies were at the show and 2,000 companies were at the show, overall.

Beaulieu: You told me you were part of the Illinois Delegation; can you talk about that?

Vardya: Of course. We were part of the State of Illinois delegation and worked closely with the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s Office of Trade & Investment. Seven companies in the Illinois booth spanned a variety of industries supporting the aerospace industry. The Rockford Area Aerospace Network (RAAN), which ASC is also a member of, was also represented in our booth.

To read this entire interview, which appeared in the July 2017 issue of The PCB Design Magazine, click here.