Industry confidence high after Farnborough Airshow trade deals

More than 1,400 commercial aircraft were ordered at the show valued at US $154 billion and more than 1,432 engines were ordered worth US $21.96 billion.

Farnborough International chief executive, Gareth Rogers, said: “Going into the show, the industry backlog was at a record high, in excess of 14,000 aircraft on the books. The major deals announced this week demonstrated how confident the aerospace industry is and the role of Farnborough as an economic barometer.

“The show brings the global aerospace world together for an intense but important week. Manufacturers, airlines, financiers, military and government representatives; all attended. As six months’ worth of meetings can take place in a week, it’s a highly productive place to be.

“The Farnborough International Airshow continues to be at the epicentre of the aerospace community and we look forward to growing this pivotal role over the next two years as we head towards the 2020 Airshow.”

Coming 37 weeks before Brexit, Farnborough attracted its most global attendance ever with around 100 countries in attendance and record Chinese presence. There was also a rise in trade visitors of nearly 10% compared to previous years, more than 80,000 visitors passed through the gates.

The delegations programme saw major growth up by 20% with a total of 156 civil and military delegations; military delegations saw a rise of 30% to 133.

The airline customer asserted itself with 163% increase in attendance. Ten airline CEOs attended a roundtable event, including Christine Ourmieres-Widener of Flybe and Calin Rovinescu of Air Canada.

The Farnborough International Airshow has always sought to bring innovation to the forefront. New features for this year’s show included: FINN Sessions – a conference programme with world-class speakers covering topics including a return to supersonic, governance in space, and the intelligent engine; Aerospace 4.0 – an exhibition focussed on the fourth industrial revolution and Meet the Buyer – a strategic opportunity to gain entry into supply chains saw 831 meetings with 201 companies.

Farnborough International Airshow www.farnboroughairshow.com/trade