CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: OK, let's talk about snubs. S-N-U- B, snub. The aviation industry's biggest event is underway and the U.S. has only a small presence. Many people say it's the latest form of French bashing. The event is taking place in Paris. Richard Quest is there.</s>RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: The Americans are here, of that there is no doubt. The U.S. Air Force has sent along the F-16, the F-15 and the Apache helicopter, but these planes will not be taking part in any flying displays. And even bringing them alone sends a message, they've just returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. And top U.S. generals are also staying away from the Paris Air Show, along with U.S. corporations who haven't sent along chairmen and chief executives. It's led to an impression that the United States are still angry with the French for the position they took over the Iraqi war. The U.S. corporations say that this year's air show is very different. Recession, security threats, SARS in Asia, it all means that the aviation industry is facing its worst crisis in decades. No customers means no business, no business means it's not worth sending so many people. In this day and age, smaller exhibitions. There is one plane here that still manages to guarantee a good reception, Concorde, which is always a favorite at the Paris Air Show, this year made its last appearance. Richard Quest, CNN, at the Paris Air show.</s>COSTELLO: So there you go. TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Paris Plane Politics: U.S.-French Relations