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
ODU RT

“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
FIA2026 animated banner
MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

Aerospace Defence Security

MGI conducts first TigerShark flights with Auterion

2 April 2026

MGI Engineering Ltd (MGI) has announced the successful first flights of its TigerShark uncrewed deep strike platform, in partnership with Auterion.

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA advance electric aviation operations

Aerospace

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA advance electric aviation operations

1 April 2026

Loganair, Royal Mail and BETA Technologies, today announced the successful completion of the UK's first electric flight demonstration programme across Scotland's regional air network.

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

Aerospace

SYMCA grant unlocks Rolls-Royce investment in Rotherham ABCF

1 April 2026

Rolls-Royce has announced a £19.3 million investment in its highly specialised Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) in Rotherham, following a grant of £2 million from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

Aerospace

Rolls-Royce to advance UltraFan 30 demonstrator through UNIFIED

31 March 2026

Rolls-Royce has secured €64million in funding from the European Union’s Clean Aviation Joint Undertaking (CAJU) to lead UNIFIED (Ultra Novel and Innovative Fully Integrated Engine Demonstrations), a collaborative research project supporting the development and planned ground testing of the UltraFan 30 demonstrator.

Advertisement
ODU RT
IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

Aerospace

IATA sees strong air passenger and cargo demand growth for February

31 March 2026

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released data for February 2026 showing global passenger demand was up 6.1% and air cargo demand rose by 11.2%, compared to February 2025 levels.

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

Aerospace

CAA publishes Initial Proposals for Heathrow H8 price cap

31 March 2026

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published its Initial Proposals for the maximum fees that Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) can charge airlines for using the airport for the H8 regulatory period, which runs from January 2027 until the end of 2031.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
FIA2026 animated banner