Farnborough International Airshow: Over 100,000 visitors

01.08.2024

Farnborough International Airshow 2024 cemented its positioning as must-attend event in the aerospace calendar and delivered its busiest event in recent decades, with a 33% increase on visitors.

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.

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.