The Airbus next-generation A350 plane took center stage at the Paris Air Show on Wednesday, winning multi-billion-dollar deals ahead of a much-anticipated possible fly-over.

The news comes just days after the new plane took to the skies in its first-ever test flight on Friday, stealing the limelight before the start of the air show ― a key event where Airbus and Boeing compete fiercely for plane orders.

The European plane maker is currently ahead of its archrival at the show ― $53.2 billion in new plane orders or agreements for Airbus versus $45.2 billion for Boeing.

Air France-KLM on Wednesday confirmed an order for 25 A350 planes ― which make extensive use of lighter composite materials to reduce fuel costs ― in a deal worth $7.2 billion at catalog prices.

“Despite the difficulties that Air France-KLM is facing, we are in significant good shape to be able to plan for the renewal of our long-haul fleet for the long term,” said Alexandre de Juniac, head of the airline group.

The agreement comes with an option for a further 25 planes, and the aircraft will come into service in 2017, he told reporters. (AFP)