Farnborough day two deals deliver £2.6bn for UK industry

Day two of Farnborough International Airshow 2026 generated £16.4bn in deals at list prices, according to figures released by ADS.

The total was 34% lower than the equivalent day at FIA 2024 but included 82 firm aircraft orders, 12 aircraft options and 431 firm engine orders.

Firm business accounted for £16.1bn of the day’s total. ADS estimates that £2.6bn of this value will flow to the UK aerospace industry through its participation in global aircraft and engine programmes.

The 82 firm aircraft orders were valued at £1.4bn and covered aircraft produced by Airbus, Boeing and Embraer. The number of aircraft ordered was four higher than on the second day of FIA 2024, representing an increase of 5%.

Orders announced during the day included commitments from AerCap, Philippine Airlines, Uganda Airlines, Shohin Airlines and Abra Group, alongside agreements involving emerging operators and new aircraft developers.

AerCap ordered another 15 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, while Philippine Airlines signed a memorandum of understanding for nine additional Airbus A350-1000s. Uganda Airlines placed its first direct Boeing order, covering four 737 MAX 8s and four 787-9s.

Embraer also announced a series of E-Jet agreements, led by an order from Abra Group for 20 firm E195-E2s, alongside options and purchase rights.

Engine orders drive day-two value

Much of the value announced on day two came from the engine sector. The 431 firm engine orders covered products from CFM International, Pratt & Whitney and GE Aerospace.

Although many of the aircraft ordered at Farnborough are assembled overseas, their engines, wings, systems and structures draw on an international supply chain with substantial British participation.

This means orders placed with global manufacturers can generate valuable long-term work for UK aerospace businesses, including companies involved in engineering, manufacturing, maintenance and support.

The 12 aircraft options announced during the day included options for 10 freighters, adding potential future business beyond the firm deals already recorded.

ADS calculated the sterling figures using an exchange rate of £0.743 to $1. Its totals are based on list prices rather than the confidential discounted prices typically paid by customers.