Farnborough’s return
After a four-year hiatus, Farnborough International Airshow is back and the Royal Aeronautical Society will be there. STEPHEN BRIDGEWATER previews the 2022 air show and exhibition.
The mere mention of the name ‘Farnborough’ is enough to ignite a spark within aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike. It evokes memories of a bygone era, dramatic debuts and multibillion-pound deals. However, most of all, it represents a chance for the industry to meet in person, exchange ideas and sign contracts.
Following a four-year pandemic-induced hiatus – the first time the show had been cancelled in its 72year history – the biennial Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is back between 18-22 July with organisers bullish about the opportunities on offer to visitors.”
“For decades, FIA has been the global platform for the aerospace and defence industry,” says the organising team. “This year, its role will carry even greater significance with FIA2022 serving as the first major event to reconnect colleagues from around the world, enabling business growth and recovery.”
“A huge amount will have changed in the three years since we last brought industry together. However, FIA2022 will be a strategic opportunity to witness the leaps in development that have taken place as well as showcasing innovation to a truly global audience, face to face.”
For five days in July, Farnborough will become the centre of the aviation world, showcasing the most innovative technology within our industry, attracting market-leading companies from across all sectors and providing an unrivalled opportunity to meet and forge new relationships with key decision-makers face to face. Once again, the show welcomes companies from core sectors across the aerospace industry, including space, civil, military, manufacturing technology, cabin, avionics, rotary and MRO.
There were 96 countries represented at the 2018 show and $192bn worth of orders and commitments were announced during the event.
This year, organisers expect around 1,500 exhibitors to attend the show, demonstrating a diverse range of products and services from every sector and tier of the industry. With attendees keen to return to in-person meetings, the team at Farnborough is expecting to exceed the 80,000 trade visitors that attended FIA 2018.
Building on its success in 2018, the Space Zone returns to FIA for its biggest show yet, providing opportunities to network with the leading innovators driving this growing sector.
The Space Zone has become more international, showcasing the latest developments from across the globe, and offers visitors the opportunity to meet with the global space community and do business at one of the world’s leading space events.
Also back for 2022, FIA’s popular young people/ career focused Friday is now branded as Pioneers of Tomorrow. This showcase of the best in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) is designed to give students, apprentices, graduates and young professionals unprecedented access to the industry.
With hands-on and virtual reality activities and workshops showcasing the application of STEAM skills, a dedicated Careers Hub to offer advice, inspirational speakers from across all areas of aviation sharing their stories, and an extended air display, Pioneers of Tomorrow is the perfect platform to encourage a new generation to take their first steps into the world of aerospace.
