FIA 2012: $72bn of confirmed orders and commitments at Farnborough International Airshow
The figures represent a 53% increase on the 2010 show and close to the 2008 figure when sales peaked at $88 billion. To add further weight to the shows success, 20% of exhibitors have already rebooked for the 2014 show.
Airshow organiser, Farnborough International Ltd, has also confirmed that over the five days of the show, the event attracted just over 107,000 trade visitors and over 1,500 exhibitors with representation right across the supply chain. Over 70 military delegations from 46 countries attended with a further 13 delegations from the civil sector. This event saw good engagement from decision-makers with the Prime Minister opening the show, a further 6 Cabinet members making keynote speeches, as well as senior ministers visiting from the UK and overseas.
Over 140 aircraft took part in the static and flying displays at the Farnborough Aerodrome in Hampshire including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which flew on the first three days of the show – a Boeing and FIA first – and the Airbus A380 in attendance for the full seven days. Flying display highlights included the Bell Boeing V22 Osprey, a Saab Gripen Fighter and the Korean T50 jet trainer.
Shaun Ormrod, chief executive of FIL, said: “2012 marks another successful year for the Farnborough International Airshow. Our growth in exhibitor numbers and continued patronage from organisations such as EADS, Finmeccanica and Boeing keeps us at the top of the aerospace events calendar. It’s also rewarding to see recognition for our efforts in creating a more diverse event with Sir Richard Branson choosing the show to debut the Virgin Galactic and make a major announcement. We’re looking forward to welcoming around 7,500 young people today for Futures Day, plus an expected 120,000 people for the public weekend to round off what has been a tremendous week at Farnborough.”
FIL chairman, Ian Godden also added: “I cannot believe the number of new initiatives we have been able to deliver for our customers – my favourites are Futures Day and the Innovation Zone. In 2008 we only had 500 young people coming in our planned programme for teachers and pupils. In 2010 the number rose to 2,500. In 2012 we have reached the heady heights of 7,500 and hope to at least double that for 2014.”
