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01 Aug 24. Farnborough International Airshow 2024 delivered the apex of aviation. Farnborough International Airshow 2024 cemented its positioning as the must-attend event in the aerospace calendar and delivered its busiest event in recent decades, with a 33% increase on visitors, 57% increase on delegation attendance and more than $105bn in commercial deals announced by industry titans. The show, which took place 22-26 July, welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1500 exhibitors from over 60 countries, 90 civil and military aircraft, and over 390 civil, military and space delegations at its sold-out 2024 instalment.
Opened by the UK’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, eyes from around the world were 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.
The airshow saw $105.8bn in commercial aircraft and engine orders announced from the likes of Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and many more, worth £13bn 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.
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.
The next generation of leaders was 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.
Discussing the success of the show, 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 20-24 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, strengthening the flourishing relationship between the US and UK industries.
For more information on the Farnborough International Airshow and its 2026 instalment, visit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/
29 Jul 24. Chief Defence Scientist to join DIDS Summit. Industry. Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC is the latest high-profile speaker to confirm her speaking session at the upcoming Defence Connect DIDS Summit to be held in Sydney on Tuesday, 6 August.
Defence Connect is pleased to confirm that Australia’s Chief Defence Scientist, Professor Tanya Monro AC will be providing an address detailing the pivotal role science, technology and innovation will play in the delivery of Australia’s next-generation defence capabilities.
Liam Garman, Editor of Defence Connect welcomed this latest announcement, saying, “Head of the Defence Science and Technology Group and Chief Defence Scientist Tanya Monro who be headlining our upcoming DIDS Summit alongside Minister Conroy and Professor Hilder will provide clarity and confidence as the sector continues on this path of growth and transformation.”
The DIDS Summit to be held at the Fullerton Hotel in Sydney, on Tuesday 6 August will be spearheaded by Minister for Defence Industry and Capability Delivery, the Hon Pat Conroy MP who will use the summit to demystify the Government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy announced earlier this year.
“Following last year’s DSR, and the more recent IIP, NDS and DIDS, there’s no doubt that the defence sector is undergoing substantial period of change,” Mr Garman said.
The summit will focus breaking down each of the Sovereign Defence Industrial Priorities (SDIPS) outlined in the Defence Industry Development Strategy which include:
- Maintenance, repair, overhaul and upgrade of Australian Defence Force aircraft;
- Continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment;
- Sustainment and enhancement of the combined-arms land system;
- Domestic manufacture of guided weapons, explosive ordnance and munitions;
- Development and integration of autonomous systems;
- Integration and enhancement of battlespace awareness and management systems; and
- Test and evaluation, certification and systems assurance.
Mr Garman added, “Though the release of the new sovereign defence industrial priorities represents the opportunity for renewed focus on innovation in the industry, ensuring that our defence businesses are investing in those capabilities and emerging technologies that matter most for our soldiers, sailors and aviators.”
Professor Monro also joins a host of industry and uniformed experts as they deep dive and unpack each of the SDIPs and what it means for your business. (Source: Defence Connect)
25 Jul 24. Farnborough International Airshow 2024 closes with an impressive £81.5bn worth of deals and a focus on the Pioneers of Tomorrow
As a hugely successful Farnborough International Airshow 2024 drew to a close with £81.5bn worth of deals, the focus on the fifth and final day was firmly on the next generation who will be shaping the future of the industry. Sponsored by ITP Aero.
As Farnborough International Airshow (FIA2024) wraps its 45th edition, it’s been a soaring success with £81.5bn worth of deals agreed at the biennial airshow and 260 firm commercial aircraft orders made across the show’s first four days. For the UK alone, the total deals announced so far are worth £13bn.
And with the orders now done and dusted for this year, the focus on the fifth and final day of FIA2024 was very much on inspiring the pilots, engineers, manufacturers and innovators of the future.
Commenting on the value of events such as Pioneers of Tomorrow and the role it plays in encouraging young people into the sector, Royal Danish Air Force’s Captain Troels ‘Teo’ Vang, said it’s crucial we showcase the opportunities for young people across the sector so they understand what’s available.
Meanwhile and with women serving as both its CEO and head of manufacturing, ITP Aero is leading from the top when it comes to encouraging diversity across the workforce. Debbie Wilson, ITP’s head of quality told Aerospace Global News that although aviation is traditionally a male dominated industry, it’s great to see that changing as women increasingly rise through the ranks. The company’s STEM ambassadors were also gathered at the airshow to inspire young people. “It’s all about mentoring children and people from different backgrounds as we embrace a diverse workforce,” said Wilson.
Another industry leader ensuring diversity is at the top of the agenda, Virgin Atlantic is working hard to champion individuality through its ‘See the world differently’ campaign. It is also actively encouraging more women to train as pilots. “From zero to flying your first commercial airline full takes 13-months full time, but there is plenty of training and support.” She also noted young people shouldn’t be deterred if they don’t have a scientific degree. “Once you are on that training course, you’ll be supported every step of the way. If it’s your passion, don’t let anything put you off!”
And when it comes to training as an astronaut, even that’s no longer a ‘space’ dominated by men. Thirty-three-year-old astrophysicist Rosemary Coogan who qualified as a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut in April said diversity is taking the space sector to another dimension. “Out of the five ESA astronauts I completed my training with, two were female and three were male, so we’re almost at that 50:50 split.”
Coogan also highlighted that diversity is about much more than gender. It’s also about empowering people of all backgrounds and abilities within the industry.
Aerobility’s Harvey Matthewson is one such person. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two, a bad experience on a family holiday as a child put him off flying for good. Or so he thought, until a trip with a charity project to Africa in 2014 forced him to face his fears. He determined to return to the skies and achieve his PPL.
And while diversity and inclusion is improving across the sector, there is plenty of work still to do to make aviation truly accessible. Aerobility is a UK-based charity providing anyone with a disability with access to flying. “Bringing disabled people into the industry will only benefit it,” said Matthewson. “Imagine you are a wheelchair user and dependent on a carer for all your needs. But then you get in the pilot’s seat, out of your wheelchair. That feeling is profound,” he continued.
As the show wrapped up and all eyes turned to the skies above for the final air display of the week, there was an exciting formation from the Starlings Aerobatic team, as well as the Stampe Formation team which showcased their brightly coloured heritage aircraft. With a need for speed, the Royal Air Force performed an F-35 fly past, while the F-15QA bid farewell as it roared its way into the clouds, while the British Army’s world-famous Red Devils parachuted back to ground to close the show!
We look forward to seeing you again for Farnborough International Airshow 2026. (Source: https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/)
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