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Feature story

A Paris Air Show visit by a 'space-oriented' French Prime Minister

June 15, 2009

The Paris Air Show’s traditional opening-day tour by the French Prime Minister was particularly significant today as François Fillon visited Arianespace’s outdoor exhibit stand for an update on the company’s growing launch vehicle family.

 Fillon has been actively promoting in-depth evaluations of Europe’s long-term launcher strategy, and commissioned a report to review the options for a new vehicle that eventually could succeed Ariane 5.

During his visit at Arianespace’s exhibit today, Fillon was briefed by Arianespace Chairman & CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall, and took the opportunity to see the displayed scale models of Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega.

Fillon made his Paris Air Show appearance despite the sometimes heavy rain that prevailed on this first day of the week-long aerospace industry gathering. 

(The photo above shows Fillon, at left, and Le Gall as they completed the walk-through of Arianespace’s exhibit – accompanied by French industry and government officials, as well as journalists).