FIA2024 provides a boost to UK aerospace, defence and space sector

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024 was the busiest event in decades, with visitor numbers up 33%, delegations up 57% and the industry securing more than $105 billion in trade deals.

Photo courtesy of FIL

The show, which took place from 22 to 26 July, brought together over 100,000 visitors, 1,500 exhibitors from over 60 countries, 90 civil and military aircraft, over 390 civil, military and space delegations during its sold-out 2024 edition.

The show was opened by the new British Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer. The eyes of the world were on Farnborough as the air show, which took place over five days in Hampshire, UK, brought together international aviation giants, start-ups and pioneers in aviation, defence and space.

The airshow saw the announcement of $105.8 billion in commercial aircraft and engine orders from companies including Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and many others, worth £13 billion to the UK economy. The UK government also used the occasion to announce Skills England, a body that aims to provide valuable opportunities for ambitious young people, particularly those interested in apprenticeships.

UK Government Centre
New for 2024 was the UK Government Hub, which provided a unique platform for politicians, industry and international stakeholders to leverage the new government’s support for the UK’s aerospace, defence and space sectors. Ten different government departments and agencies were present at the Hub, which proved to be a hugely popular attraction for the show. Another first for the event was a dedicated live stream of the airshow in partnership with Aerospace Global News, which attracted over 178,000 views over the week.

Pioneers of tomorrow
The next generation of leaders were invited to explore the world of aviation, engineering and STEM at Pioneers of Tomorrow at Farnborough International Airshow, a day dedicated to inspiring, engaging and recruiting the industry’s future workforce. With an expanded airshow and Careers Hub, industry exhibitors had a unique opportunity to meet potential aviation recruits, and the day welcomed over 20,000 visitors to the 500,000m2 venue.

Commenting on the success of the show, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “This week’s Farnborough International Airshow delivered benefits to the aviation, space and defence industries, as well as achieving huge media coverage around the world, showcasing the pinnacle of aviation achievement.

“Farnborough International’s role has evolved significantly to become a globally recognised agent of change with a significant impact that drives excellence and innovation. Described by our exhibitors as ‘the most important event in the aviation and space calendar’, the airshow is the physical manifestation of this ongoing progress.

“It was a great pleasure to welcome the world’s industry back to the UK once again and we look forward to welcoming them back to the 2026 Airshow and to our expanding portfolio of events throughout the year.”

More than 100 companies have already booked for the 2026 event, which will take place from 20-24 July 2026 at Farnborough International’s Exhibition & Conference Centre, including Bell, Viasat, Reaction Engines, MBDA and Northrop Grumman. By signing a contract for the 2,500m2 pavilion, the largest space in the history of the air show, Kallman Worldwide is the first international partner to sign a contract for the event in two years, underlining the strong relationship between the US and UK industries.