The aviation industry is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift is not only taking place by the drive to reduce emissions but also by the need for digital solutions throughout the value chain and the development of the next generation of aircraft with new aerodynamic concepts and propulsion technologies. Liebherr's presence at this year's trade show runs under the motto “transform.develop.sustain.” It signifies the company’s commitment to embracing these changes, accepting the challenges and being ready for the future. With investments in research and technology far above the industry average, Liebherr is making a significant contribution to the development of efficient and more environmentally friendly air transport.
Many years of experience in the design and integration of environmental control and thermal management systems, flight control and actuation systems, landing gears and in the field of signal and power electronics make Liebherr an indispensable partner of aircraft manufacturers.
Based on its core competencies, however, the company is continuously looking beyond the limits of what is feasible today. Electrification, additive manufacturing or hydrogen technologies by Liebherr can make here a huge contribution.
Long wingspan with folding mechanism for improved aerodynamics
Even from a distance, the Boeing 777X's folding wingtip "beckons" visitors to the Liebherr booth. The moving mock-up (scale 1:1.15) shows how the tip of the long wing can be folded upward to better fit the airport infrastructure. Major components of the complex mechanism, such as the angle gearbox, the power drive unit and numerous actuators, are from Liebherr and will be on display. Innovative designs of thinner and longer wings support more CO2-efficient flying. Liebherr offers reliable folding mechanisms for future increased efficiency aircraft platforms.
Leader in the development of electromechanical actuators
Liebherr-Aerospace has always been a leader in the research and development of electromechanical actuators (EMA) for medium and large commercial aircraft. Recently, the company has added smaller actuators to its portfolio.
The new concept addresses the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) sector and also covers smaller aircraft, business jets and helicopters. Liebherr's EMA family concept benefits from the experience gained from millions of flight hours in numerous aircraft programs with actuators and associated electronics over the past decades. The development approach offers scalability for small installation spaces, a favourable power-to-weight ratio and high reliability.
Positioned for the future with electrification and decarbonization
Liebherr has been driving forward the electrification of today's aircraft for many years and offers successful applications for the future in this area, too. In aircraft that will be more electric in the future, the engine may be decoupled from onboard power consumers for increased efficiency. Electric power could replace bleed air or hydraulic systems and enable the introduction of electric air management and actuation systems, as well as decentralized hydraulic power. Liebherr's exhibits show that the company can already master these requirements today: Electromechanical actuators and a highly efficient power pack (HEPP) are on display, amongst others.
Furthermore, future more sustainable aircraft may also require autonomous electrical power generation. Liebherr is already working today to ensure availability of hydrogen technology that can be used to power elemental, non-propulsion electrical systems on board future aircraft using fuel cells. At the same time, thermal management of the whole, i.e. fuel cells and systems, is being ensured. A 100-kW motorized turbo compressor and an associated motor control unit on display are proof that Liebherr is here at the forefront.
3D printing expands possibilities
3D-printed components from Liebherr are already flying every day. The company is constantly developing its respective engineering and manufacturing capabilities and extending them to multiple applications. On display at the Paris Air Show is for example, the additively manufactured complex valve of the Airbus A350 lower cargo door actuation system. It is the first hydraulic component to be supplied in series production.
Furthermore, visitors can have a look at an additive manufactured air-liquid heat exchanger. Heat transfer equipment is one of Liebherr-Aerospace’s core businesses. The company holds already several patents specifically for air-air and air-liquid applications.
Unbeaten reliability for commercial applications
At Paris Air Show 2025, Liebherr will highlight one of its most “iconic” products: the air cycle machine for the Airbus A320ceo/neo family. Air cycle machines with air bearing technology developed by Liebherr are part of air-conditioning packs that ensure a safe and comfortable cabin environment for passengers and crews. Air cycle machines are usually pneumatically driven but can also be electrically or mechanically powered. Airbus A320 air cycle machines supplied by Liebherr have been in operation already since the 1980s and have extensively demonstrated outstanding performance and reliability.
Solutions for defense aircraft and sustainment services
Already today, many defense platforms rely on Liebherr products, such as air management systems, cooling systems, flight controls, landing gears and utility actuation.
Liebherr is ready to play a major role in the equipment and sustainment of next-generation aircraft systems. The preservation of industrial capacities and capabilities in the equipment industry sector is key for innovation and sovereignty in defense and security. In this context, Liebherr’s contributions in the areas of new build, off-set or sustainment services can be manifold, such as design, development, manufacturing and servicing of own products, manufacturing in license, MRO services for third-party products, or being a partner in a sustainment network.
Extended customer service is provided by the OEM-Defence Services joint venture, which coordinates more than 20 industrial partners worldwide. It provides integrated maintenance solutions aiming at reduction of costs and optimized fleet availability.
Paris Air Lab
More Liebherr-Aerospace technology for future aircraft platforms can also be seen in three areas of this year’s edition of Paris Air Lab: (1) A system for the supply of non-propulsive electrical power using fuel cells to drive major electrical systems on board the aircraft, (2) a 25 kW high-speed electric compressor developed by Liebherr for fuel cell power generation systems (one or more electric compressors are used to supply air to the fuel cells) and also on display: (3) a production assembly station equipped with a visual operator assistance system and a connected bolt torquing tool.
Recruitment corner
Qualified employees are key in the transformation process of the aviation industry and contribute significantly to Liebherr's success. That is why the company is also highlighting its multiple job opportunities and inviting visitors to discover the company’s various career options at its booth in its dedicated recruitment area.
L’Avion des Métiers – Careers Plane
At a smaller booth, as part of "L'Avion des Métiers" (The Careers Plane) in the Concorde Hall, members of the Liebherr team look forward to helping the public, and especially the younger generation, to understand aerospace industry jobs and inspire them to study in that field.
Interested visitors are welcome to come and learn about all career opportunities at Liebherr-Aerospace. More specifically, data scientist and systems engineer positions will be explained, and an air-conditioning unit from a French business jet program will be on display.
EMS@Liebherr
Besides Liebherr’s experience as a system service provider, Liebherr-Electronics and Drives GmbH, based in Lindau (Germany), will also showcase its broad range of capabilities at Liebherr’s main booth during this year’s Paris Air Show. The company offers Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) from a single source, encompassing material procurement, assembly of printed circuit boards and devices, up to complex electronic systems. Furthermore, the company provides a wide range of in-house services such as development and implementation of different test concepts, industrialization, engineering services, qualification as well as logistics and after-sales services.
Liebherr-Electronics and Drives GmbH has acquired extensive expertise and experience in the development, production and in-service support of electronic products for aerospace applications, as well as of other industries, such as agricultural engineering or construction machinery. Its strong focus on quality and certification to the highest standards of the aviation industry is key to manufacturing products that meet the toughest requirements.
