Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • Farnborough International Airshow sees orders surge worth $28bn to UK

Aerospace

Farnborough International Airshow sees orders surge worth $28bn to UK

Final figures for aircraft and engine deals at the 2018 Farnborough International Airshow came close to record levels as the global industry sees sustained high demand.

UK aerospace companies are expected to see an estimated $28.8bn in value from orders and commitments for engines and more than 1400 aircraft announced at this week’s Airshow.

The Airshow was opened on Monday by Prime Minister Theresa May, who hailed the new Hall One exhibition centre as an outstanding building befitting a world-leading airshow.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Announcements by the Prime Minister and senior cabinet Ministers on the first days of the show included R&D and innovation projects worth £343m, a new Combat Air Strategy, and the site of a new UK spaceport in Sutherland as well as development funding for horizontal launch sites in Cornwall, Wales and Prestwick.

On Friday astronaut Major Tim Peake launched a public competition to name the UK-built Mars Rover at Futures Day, where young people experienced a day of activities designed to encourage their study of STEM subjects and future careers in engineering sectors like aerospace and defence.

ADS Chief Executive Paul Everitt said: “This has been a fantastic Farnborough International Airshow, where we have seen great confidence in the global aerospace industry and important announcements that will support future investment in the UK’s high value aerospace, defence and space industries.

“With deals for more than 1400 aircraft announced this week worth up to $28bn to UK industry it is clear that demand in the aerospace industry remains high.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

“This has been the most international show in our history and the best place for both UK exhibitors and our overseas visitors to showcase their capability and plans for the future at the most important aerospace event of the year.

“I hope all our exhibitors and visitors have enjoyed a successful and productive week, and look forward to welcoming public visitors to the exciting flying display at Farnborough this weekend.”

 

Advertisement
Babcock LB Babcock LB
Air passenger and air cargo demand rose above 5% in November 2025

Aerospace

Air passenger and air cargo demand rose above 5% in November 2025

8 January 2026

International Air Transport Association (IATA) data reveals that global passenger demand was up by 5.7% and air cargo demand up by 5.5%, in November last year.

MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

Aerospace

MTC accelerates strategic vision with non-exec appointments

7 January 2026

The Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has appointed Natascha Engel, Professor Paul Monks CB and Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE as non-executive directors to its board, strengthening its commitment to deliver the UK’s industrial strategy and drive innovation in advanced manufacturing.

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

Aerospace

Norton Rose Fulbright expands global aviation offering

7 January 2026

Global law firm Norton Rose Fulbright has further strengthened its global aviation practice with the appointment of aviation finance partner Leo Fattorini as its Head of Aircraft Finance, Asia and the Middle East, based in Singapore.

IFS to acquire Softeon

Aerospace Defence Security

IFS to acquire Softeon

6 January 2026

IFS today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Softeon, a provider of cloud-native Warehouse Management, Warehouse Execution and Distributed Order Management solutions.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

Aerospace

Luton Airport and University of Beds sign AI partnership

6 January 2026

London Luton Airport (LLA) and the University of Bedfordshire have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) collaboration.

STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

Aerospace

STARLUX takes delivery of first Airbus A350-1000

6 January 2026

STARLUX Airlines of Taiwan has taken delivery of its first of 18 A350-1000s, becoming the 11th global operator of the largest version of the A350.

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB