FIA2024 delivers boost for UK aerospace, defence and space sectors
Image courtesy FIL
The show, which took place 22nd-26th July, welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors from over 60 countries, 90 civil and military aircraft, over 390 civil, military and space delegations at its sold-out 2024 instalment.
Opened by the UK’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, attention from around the world was firmly fixed on Farnborough, as the airshow convened international industry titans, start-ups and pioneers from aerospace, defence and space for five days in Hampshire, UK. An opening speech was also delivered by Kevin Craven, ADS CEO and Chair, Farnborough International, which helped set the tone for the event's myriad activities and delivery of a range of business deals, partnerships and opportunities.
The airshow saw $105.8 billion in commercial aircraft and engine orders announced from the likes of Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and many more, worth £13 billion to the UK economy. In addition, the UK Government used the opportunity to announce Skills England, a body that aims to provide valuable opportunities for ambitious young individuals, particularly those interested in apprenticeships.
UK Government Hub
New for 2024, the UK Government Hub provided political, industry and international stakeholders with a unique platform to elevate an incoming government’s backing for UK aerospace, defence and space sectors. Ten different government departments and agencies had a presence at the Hub which proved a highly attended feature of the show.
Another first for the event was the dedicated air display live stream, in partnership with Aerospace Global News, attracting more than 178,000 views throughout the week.
Pioneers of Tomorrow
The next generation of leaders were invited to experience the world of aerospace, engineering and STEM at Farnborough International Airshow’s Pioneers of Tomorrow, a day dedicated to inspiring, engaging and recruiting the industry’s future workforce. Featuring an extended flying display and a Careers Hub, it provided industry exhibitors an unrivalled opportunity to meet potential aerospace recruits, the day welcomed more than 20,000 public visitors to the 500,000sqm site.
Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “This week, Farnborough International Airshow has delivered for the aerospace, space and defence industries, across the show floor also achieving huge global media reach showcasing the apex of aviation.
"Farnborough International’s role has evolved substantially, progressing to an internationally esteemed change agent with significant influence that powers excellence and innovation. Labelled as the ‘most important event in the aerospace calendar’ by our exhibitors, the airshow is a physical manifestation of that unrelenting progress.
“It has been a joy to host the global industry to the UK once again and we look forward to welcoming them back to the 2026 airshow and to our growing events portfolio across the year.”
More than 100 companies have already rebooked for the 2026 event, taking place 20th-24th July 2026 at Farnborough International’s Exhibition & Conference Centre, including the likes of Bell, Viasat, Reaction Engines, MBDA and Northrop Grumman. Signing for 2,500sqm, the largest pavilion space in the airshow’s history, Kallman Worldwide is the first international partner to sign for the event in two years’ time, highlighting the strong relationship between the US and UK industries.
