A Legacy of Aviation Excellence

The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024 will be a feast for aviation geeks, featuring a diverse lineup of aircraft from leading manufacturers and airlines including jets, wide-body planes, helicopters, and drones, extensive discussions and networking opportunities.

Issue: 3 / 2024By Ayushee ChaudharyPhoto(s): By ASDS Media, FIAFarnborough / X, Eve Air Mobility, ESA / P. Sebirot
FIA traditionally has been a lucrative venue for all commercial aircraft manufacturers to sign mega deals with operators.
Seen here are Embraer E195-E2, with Boeing 777 and Airbus A350, at Farnborough Air Show 2022 (File Photo).

Established in 1948, the Farnborough Airshow has grown into a premier biennial event in the aviation world. As we emerge from recent global challenges, the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024 is set to be a beacon of optimism and innovation, highlighting the latest advancements in aviation and space exploration. The 2022 show attracted over 80,000 trade visitors and featured more than 1,500 exhibitors from around the globe. At its peak in 2012, the event saw an attendance of over 20,0,000 visitors. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, the show adapted to a virtual format, continuing to connect the industry. With 1,200 exhibiting companies and 74,000 trade visitors expected, FIA2024 promises to be a vital platform for global connections, interactions, and business opportunities.

The Farnborough Airshow, taking place from July 22nd to 26th at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, is the premier industry-focused airshow of the year. This year’s event will focus on six key themes: Space, Defence, Sustainability, Innovation, Future Flight, and Workforce Development. While commercial aerospace isn’t officially a theme, it remains central to the show, with Airbus and Boeing expected to announce major customer orders, as they did in 2022 with deals totaling $50.8 billion.

As the 2024 Farnborough Airshow nears, the list of participating aircraft continues to grow.

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 is experiencing unprecedented demand for exhibition space, sponsorships, and marketing opportunities, signaling strong optimism in the aerospace industry. Organisers project a 14 per cent increase in commercial revenues, positioning the airshow as the leading marketplace for a growing industry.

Established in 1948, the Farnborough Airshow has grown into a premier biennial event in the aviation world

Despite supply chain challenges, both the aerospace and space sectors are set for significant growth. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) projected global airline industry profits of $5 billion in 2023. The Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) sector is also recovering, with stable or increasing budgets expected over the next 24 months. The space market, valued at $280 billion in 2010, has surged to approximately $447 billion, with projections from McKinsey and the World Economic Forum suggesting it could reach $1 trillion by 2030. Reflecting the industry’s robust recovery, over 90 per cent of commercial exhibition spaces and chalets for FIA2024 are already reserved. To meet the high demand, Farnborough International is constructing 17 new chalets, more than half of which are already sold.

FIA is used by the Industry to showcase their technological advancements. The show provides dedicated exhibition areas to innovations like in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions (File Photos above).

Farnborough International will display a wide range of aircraft, including passenger planes, and private jets. The airshow has unveiled the initial lineup for the 2024 event, featuring a diverse array of aircraft including jets, wide-body planes, helicopters, and drones. The airshow will showcase leading manufacturers and airlines with civil aircraft such as Air India’s A350, Airbus’ A220-300, A321 XLR, and A330-900 NEO, ATR’s 72-600 and 72-600F, Embraer’s E195-E2 and E-Freighter, and Qatar Airways’ Boeing 787-9 and Gulfstream G700. The FIA2024 website has a complete and updated list of attending aircraft.

As the Farnborough Airshow 2024 approaches, early industry reports suggest significant announcements. Notably, Qatar Airways is expected to place a large order for new widebody aircraft to enhance its long-haul fleet. Reports indicate that the airline might order over 100 jets. Both Airbus and Boeing could benefit from this deal. While Boeing’s initial presence is modest, more announcements are anticipated.

75 YEARS OF INNOVATION AND CONNECTION

On September 7, 2023, Farnborough International Airshow celebrated 75 years of pioneering aviation and innovation. The Society of British Aircraft Constructors (SBAC) chose Farnborough as the site for its growing airshow in 1948. The inaugural event, held from September 7-12, 1948, showcased sixty-six different British aircraft, including the launch of the Cierva W.II Air Horse. Since its inception, Farnborough has been the stage for numerous historic firsts in the aerospace industry. These include the launch of the world’s first jet airliner, the de Havilland DH.106 Comet 1, in 1949; The Black Arrows’ record-breaking 22-aircraft formation loop in 1958; the BAC-Aerospatiale Concorde’s debut in 1970 with a low fly pass over spectators; and the Airbus A380’s debut in 2006. Over 75 years, the Farnborough International Airshow has evolved into a catalyst for aerospace innovation and a global platform for showcasing technological breakthroughs and engineering feats. It is also a venue where historic partnerships are forged, and goals like sustainable aviation are pursued.

KEY THEMES OF FIA2024

Space. FIA2024 will explore critical issues in space technology, from deep space exploration to commercial flights. The Space Zone will feature a wide array of exhibitors and host engaging sessions in the Space Theatre. Highlighting the growing importance of space, plans are underway for a separate Farnborough International Space Show in March 2025 to advance the space domain.

Sustainability. Addressing climate change, FIA2024 will focus on sustainability and the path to Net Zero. Thought-leading sessions will emphasise collaboration across global sectors to advance sustainable aviation and safeguard the planet’s future.

Innovation. FIA2024 will showcase groundbreaking advancements in aerospace technology. The event will provide a platform to discuss industry challenges, set future agendas, and highlight the latest innovations shaping the sector.

Future Flight. With advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) solutions, FIA2024 will highlight companies revolutionising aerospace. Dedicated exhibition areas, conference showcases, and displays will celebrate the future of flight technology.

Workforce. FIA2024 will address the changing aerospace workforce, emphasising the need to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. The Pioneers of Tomorrow event will focus on closing the skills gap by connecting students and young professionals with industry opportunities, affirming that developing future talent is key to the industry’s sustainability and growth.

Aviation industry flag bearers and thought leaders converge at FIA to discuss and chart out the future at various conferences and seminars (File Photos above).

The Delegations Programme’s return in 2022 was a major success, facilitating networking and business, and will continue in the 2024 edition. FIA2024 will offer thought-provoking sessions, engaging exhibitions, and networking opportunities with aerospace leaders, aiming to drive discussion, collaboration, and innovation for the future of aviation.

EXPOSING & EXPANDING AEROSPACE INNOVATION

FIA2024 will be a hub of aerospace innovation, showcasing groundbreaking advancements from leading companies. The event features several key elements:

  • Space Zone: Engage with the global space community in the Space Zone, located in one of the show’s state-of-the-art sound stages. This area offers unparalleled networking opportunities and showcases pioneering companies in the space industry. Building on the success of FIA2022, which featured presentations from figures like ESA Astronaut Tim Peake and NASA Astronaut Charles Duke, the Space Zone at FIA2024 promises to be a highlight.
  • Flying & Static Display: Experience aviation innovation with over 90 aircraft on display, from advanced commercial planes to military designs. The flying and static displays will feature captivating aerial performances and up-close views of cutting-edge technology, providing a glimpse into the future of aviation.
  • FINN Sessions: Attend thought-provoking discussions at the FINN Theatres, where industry leaders and experts share insights on sustainability, workforce development, and more. These sessions facilitate dialogue and collaboration among aerospace and aviation stakeholders.
  • Airline Leaders Summit: Join global airline executives as they discuss key issues and trends shaping the industry’s future. With past speakers like Sir Tim Clark of Emirates Airline and Willie Walsh of IATA, the summit offers invaluable insights into the challenges and opportunities in aviation.
  • Pioneers of Tomorrow: Inspire the next generation of aerospace leaders with this STEM-focused event. Featuring handson activities, career workshops, and inspirational speakers, ‘Pioneers of Tomorrow’ provides students and young professionals with unique opportunities to explore the aerospace industry’s exciting possibilities.

The airshow promises five days of unparalleled opportunities to explore cutting-edge technology, forge partnerships, and advance sustainable aerospace initiatives. Farnborough International Airshow 2024 marks a significant milestone for the civil aviation sector, setting new heights in innovation, collaboration, and market growth. As the event gears up to showcase cutting-edge technologies and foster strategic partnerships, it underscores the sector’s resilience and forward momentum. Celebrating 75 years of aerospace excellence, the airshow will spotlight critical themes such as sustainability, future flight technologies, and workforce development, positioning itself as a crucial platform for industry leaders. The Farnborough Airshow’s role in driving progress and shaping the future of civil aviation is unparalleled, making it a cornerstone event that will influence the sector for generations to come. FIA2024 aims to be a beacon of innovation and collaboration, shaping the future of the aerospace industry for generations to come.