This year's Paris Air Show saw fewer visitor numbers - a result of the tight security in the wake of several terror attacks - but still proved a 'good vintage', as orders rose to $150 billion from $130 billion two years ago, said a report.

Boeing and Airbus took the lion's share of orders with a total of $114 billion - $74.8 billion and $39.7 billion respectively, said a report in Menafn.com.

Boeing outperformed its rival Airbus with it new 737 MAX 10 airliner, taking in a total of 571 orders and commitments. However, Airbus won a big order from Iran's Zagros Airlines for 20 planes of the A320neo family and eight of the A330neo type, the report said.

D'Arcimoles said strong orders apart, this year's edition saw other positives, such as the third edition of an employment fair showcasing opportunities in the aeronautical sector which he said attracted "more than 60,000 people, essentially young people".

In addition, Paris Air Lab, a new forum dedicated to research, brought in 50,000 visitors and allowed a number of start-up firms to book their first orders, he added.

The show received 140,000 professional visitors, a 6 per cent drop from two years ago.  

Non-professional visitors to the event were also in for a treat with programmes showing off some 30 rafale and Mirage combat planes, military helicopters and business and commercial jets and a spectacular performance by the French Patrol demonstration squadron.