The Paris Air Show, the world's largest international aerospace trade show, opened Monday after for its 54th edition on Monday with next-generation aircraft on display.

Normally held biennially, the expo's 2021 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Much has changed in the industry landscape since the event's last showing four years ago, and many companies are eager to display their timely advancements.

Lilium, a German-based aerospace company, makes electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft and insists that renewable-energy-powered planes are crucial to securing a green future.

"Electric vehicles are the best and the only means to really decarbonize very near-term, because this aircraft in operation doesn't produce any CO2 and it's within sight, so by 2026 you will be able to fly in it," said Klaus Roewe, Lilium chief executive.

There are some 2,500 aerospace industry firms represented at the air show from countries around the world, including China, a key market for many business aviation firms.

"China is a long-established market for us, we've been pretty successful with the 7X a few years ago, our three-engine aircraft. We currently have a fleet of around 30-40 airplanes based in China with a strong footprint - we have a customer service dedicated team based there plus two sales offices," said Vadim Feldzer, head of communications at French aerospace company Dassault Falcon.

Chinese companies are also enthusiastic about the opportunity to showcase their products in Paris.

"The Paris Air Show is one of the largest shows in the world, which provides a platform for many leading [companies] coming from all over the world to communicate and to introduce or show their strengths in these aerospace industries," said Zheng Jing, international marketing manager for PIESAT, a Chinese company that focuses on satellites and providing communications services from orbit.

The Paris Air Show is normally held every two years, but its 2021 session was canceled due to the pandemic, making the 2023 edition the first show in four years.

This year's exhibition featured a significant portion of military hardware, reflecting the growing demand for such equipment in light of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Ukraine has an armed forces delegation on-site, as conversations and negotiations continue over France and other NATO allies increasing their support for the Ukrainian armed forces.