With US$124billion of orders and options for aircraft, engines and supply chain orders confirmed at this year’s Farnborough International Airshow, the organisers are delighted the event has worked so well for its exhibitors. International co-operation was the order of the day allaying fears that Britain’s exit from the EU would see a downturn in business with 1500 exhibitors taking 550 sqm more space than in 2014, of which 70% were from outside the UK.

Across the five day trade show, and despite Day 1 being closed early due to extreme heavy rainfall, Farnborough International recorded just over 73,000 trade visits over the week with approximately 25% of its visitor base being either CEO or Director level and a significant increase in attendance of people directly responsible for procurement. On day one, the show saw over 50% of visitors coming from overseas with many attending the show with pre-arranged meetings with exhibitors.  The show also saw a significant increase in Airline presence with many making large order announcements.

Delegation visits have also increased with 98 military delegations attending from 66 countries and 29 commercial and civil delegations attending from 22 countries. The timetabled and escorted meetings organised by Farnborough International Ltd are one of the show’s key USPs and a reason the show is so popular with exhibitors.

At a supply chain level, the Meet-The-Buyer programme has also proved popular with 1680 meetings taken place between 40 buyers from 13 countries and 177 suppliers over the three day event designed to allow companies of all sizes to form new business relationships with international companies.

Speaking about the figures, Farnborough International Chief Executive Shaun Ormrod said, “We are delighted that the show has been such a success – the orders announced together with the large number of aircraft coming to Farnborough for the first time is a promising indicator that the industry is in great shape and that Farnborough maintains its crown as the most international airshow on the circuit.  We’ve been focussing on ensuring we get the right audiences, demonstrating that whilst still a global meeting place for the industry, Farnborough is also an important place for the supply chain to get business done.”

Commercial Director, Amanda Stainer further added, “It’s been a really successful show for our exhibitors. Our marketing suite has been busy and we have already taken a considerable amount of re-bookings for the 2018 show.  What’s been really positive is whilst the tier one companies have been announcing large orders, we’ve seen an increase in activity and announcements from the supply chain companies too.”

About Farnborough International Airshows
Farnborough International is a subsidiary company of ADS, the trade organisation advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space industries. It is made up of a team of industry experts focused on delivering innovative, cost-effective events and maintaining the standing of its shows and venue as world-class in a competitive global industry. Its Airshows business plans and organises the world famous Farnborough International Airshow and provides aerospace trade show consultancy services to governments and other trade bodies.

FIA16 Key Stats

• US$124 billion of orders and options announced
• 73,000 trade visits over five days
• All trade visitors are now fully qualitied with 25% being at CEO or VP level.
• 110 aircraft participated in flying and static display during trade week
• Aircraft making their Farnborough debut in 2016:
  – F35 Lightning II
  – Boeing 737 Max
  – Bombardier C Series
  – Embraer E190-E2
  – Embraer KC 390
  – Embraer Legacy 500
  – Antonov AN-178
  – HondaJet
  – Dornier Dart-450
  – Gulfstream G500
• 1500 exhibitors from 52 countries
• 71% international exhibitors
• 23 International pavilions with new country pavilions from Austria, Brazil, China, Korea and
• Republic of Ireland, German (Hanse) and Romania
• 98 military delegations from 66 countries
• 29 civil and commercial delegations from 22 countries
• The Meet-the-Buyer programme saw 1680 meetings taking place between 40 buyers from 13 countries and 177 suppliers over the three days
• 1451 accredited media representatives

Press release FIA
Picture Marcel van Leeuwen