FAC eyes larger Farnborough presence after record airshow demand

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium is already planning a larger presence at the next Farnborough International Airshow after strong demand from members following this summer’s event.

FAC said its stand at the 2026 airshow hosted a record number of member companies, with feedback from exhibitors described as “excellent”. The organisation said interest in the next edition of the show is already so strong that its stand is close to being filled two years ahead of the event.

The consortium, which represents aerospace and defence businesses mainly across the south and south-east of England, used the airshow to promote SME capability, build international relationships and connect members with larger companies and overseas delegations.

FAC members target international aerospace opportunities

This year’s Farnborough International Airshow attracted more than 140,000 trade and public visitors, with representatives from 136 countries attending the week-long event.

FAC said it used the international audience to hold meetings with visiting professionals and delegations, including a meeting with a delegation from China, introduced to member businesses by chief executive Alan Fisher.

The consortium is also in advanced talks with the Association of Aerospace Industries Singapore about a potential link-up following discussions at the show. A further relationship is being explored with Distretto Aerospaziale Piemonte, the aerospace cluster for Italy’s Piedmont region.

Alan Fisher, chief executive of FAC, said: “We had more of our members join us on our stand than ever before and they said it was an extremely productive week.

“Indeed, such is the interest for the next show we are already looking at how we can develop our stand to include more members. Our membership has grown rapidly in the last year and new businesses are signing up all the time.”

Farnborough Airshow drives SME supply chain links

FAC said its role is to help aerospace SMEs win business with larger companies and raise their profile across the sector.

Fisher said the connections made with international delegations at the airshow would help FAC link members with overseas groups and their supply chains.

He added: “FAC is the leading voice of aerospace in the south and south-east and the television and radio outlets were keen to get our view on the airshow and the sector as a whole.

“While there are many uncertainties within aerospace and associated industries, there is also a great deal of optimism, especially around new technologies.

“Our aim is to help our SME members win business with the larger companies and promote their abilities across the sector.

“Because of the connections we made with visiting delegations at the airshow, we will be able to link our members with those international groups and their members.

“This collaborative approach benefits everyone and helps drive home the point that aerospace is truly international.”

FAC will now turn its focus to its annual conference, which is due to take place in early 2027.