By Sangeeta Saxena
Farnborough. 09 July 2016. • Its Farnborough time once again. Over 98% of inside and outside exhibition space sold, 71% international participation, 22 international pavilions, over 30% of direct exhibitors are new to FIA and 50% growth in commercial and civil delegation programme, all this make it the most awaited aerospace show.
Farnborough International announced new statistics recently that indicate next month’s Farnborough International Airshow will exceed target and industry expectations. It is not only expected to repeat the success of FIA14, but also reach new markets and territories. This is underpinned by an increase in international participation and for the first time Austria, Brazil, Republic of Ireland and South Korea all have dedicated country pavilions, bringing the international pavilions to 22.
China also has its first dedicated pavilion representing a 103% increase in footprint and a 98% increase in spend compared to the 2014 show. German participation has also doubled since 2014.
The show has increased its exhibition space footprint in 2016 from previous years and is over 98% sold out. Chalet space is exceeding expectation and there will be some fantastic new looks for Embraer, GE and SAAB to name but a few. Lockheed Martin will unveil their new permanent structure and there will be strong presence from the F-35 team. General Dynamics also make a welcome return to the Show.
Other exciting new additions for 2016 include a special Boeing pavilion celebrating their centenary which falls on the Friday of the show. New exhibitor for 2016, Volga-Dnepr will be joining the show by demonstrating their cargo handling capabilities in a dedicated Cargo Village.
The Civil and Commercial delegations programmes are exceeding expectations with 26 representative groups already confirmed from key and emerging markets. The Military delegations programme will see a high level presence from over 45 countries.
Farnborough International Commercial Director, Amanda Stainer said: “Our latest stats highlight that 2016 Farnborough International Airshow will be another fantastic show. I am looking forward to welcoming our new participants and delegations both international and those from closer to home. The new look chalets and new country pavilions go further to prove that FIA16 is the meeting place for the aerospace industry both for the defence and commercial sectors.”
Amanda went on to say “As well as the F-35 joint fighter strike, we are expecting more aircraft to debut at Farnborough this year. In fact we have more aircraft exhibiting than in recent shows, reflecting an up-beat mood in the industry. In 2016 due to demand we have also significantly grown our first time exhibiter space and have a new dedicated SME lounge. Our meet the buyer programme has also extended by a day, which has been very received” Foreign participation at the Farnborough International Airshow is at its strongest with new national pavilions from China, Brazil and Austria, strong US participation and returning national pavilions form all four corners of the globe.”
With confirmation that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter will be making one of its first appearances outside the US at the show this summer, further participation from the nine nations involved in the development of the jet is expected.
Over 20 nations will be hosting pavilions at the show from Europe, the US, Canada, South America, Russia and the Far East. As well as a Korean and Japanese pavilion, the show will also welcome for the first time a Chinese pavilion providing companies such as AVIC, COMAC, Aviage Systems and other Chinese supply chain companies the opportunity to promote China’s growing aerospace industry.
Strong international attendance is also expected via the Civil and Military delegations programme. The team is in discussion with all key emerging markets including the Middle East, North and South America, India, Australia and Europe and is working with all FIA exhibitors regarding engagement with the RAF and the UK MoD. The Civil and Commercial programme is also ahead of the game with five delegations already confirmed from the UK, Italy, Serbia and the Middle East.
The show will also coincide with Boeing’s Centennial celebrations on Friday 15th July 2016. While full details are still to be under wraps, FIA will form a core part of the aircraft manufacturer’s 100 year anniversary.
