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Farnborough International Airshow: a look ahead

In just a few days’ time, the Hampshire town of Farnborough will once again become the centre of the aerospace universe as the Farnborough International Airshow opens its doors.

Running from 14 – 20 July, this year’s event arguably has an even more international flavour than usual, with 56% of its 1500 exhibitors coming from overseas, 18 international pavilions, and a presence, for the first time, from Tunisia, Malaysia and Thailand.

Boeing Dreamliner
Boeing Dreamliner

Expected to attract around 100,000 trade visitors and fifty military delegations, this year’s show also features the largest ever participation by the USA thanks to a US pavilion featuring over 230 companies, and the presence of prime manufacturers including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon and UTC amongst others.

According to the organiser, Farnborough International Ltd (FIL), new developments made for this year’s show including expanded opportunities for SME companies, a new Delegations and UK MoD Lounge, increased Government engagement and broader conference programme.

FIL has also reported a record number of requests to exhibit aircraft at this year’s event, with over 70 aircraft confirmed as part of the static line-up and a further 23 for the flying display. 

Aircraft confirmed for flight demonstrations include the F-35 Lightning II, the Airbus A350 and the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Commenting on this year’s event FIL chief executive Shaun Ormrod said, ‘No other event allows visitors and exhibitors the opportunity to meet new and potential business partners, colleagues and existing business customers.  While the major manufacturer’s use the event to show their ‘muscle’ with major announcements made and showcase aircraft such as supply chain business that is created as a result of the show that is the true key to this event’s success.’