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2024-09-10

Tech Wonders,Aerial Ballet Mesmerise Farnborough

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2024, held from July 22 to 26, wrapped up with a strong impact on the aerospace sector. The show welcomed over 100,000 visitors, 1500 exhibitors from over 60 countries, 90 civil and military aircraft, over 390 civil, military and space delegations at its sold-out 2024 instalment.

FIA highlighted the latest aerospace technologies and offered engaging aerial displays, reinforcing its status as a key event in the industry.

Since the first airshow in 1948, it has been at the heart of numerous aerospace achievements, creating a legacy of awe-inspiring moments and that have shaped British and international skies.

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 33per cent increase on visitors, 57per cent increase on delegation attendance and more than US$105bn in commercial deals announced by industry titans.

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 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 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.

Discussing the success of the show, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “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.”

Six Key Focuses

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 showcased six key themes central to the aerospace sector:

Space: It highlighted advancements in space technology and its future implications, serving as a platform for discussing innovations in deep space exploration and commercial flights.

Defence: Farnborough facilitated connections between defence companies and military decision-makers, featuring the latest tech in static and flying displays.

Sustainability: Climate change and the path to Net Zero were key topics, with discussions focused on sustainable aviation practices and industry collaboration.

Innovation: The airshow showcased ground-breaking innovations, providing a platform for presenting new technologies and discussing industry trends.

Future Flight: Farnborough highlighted advancements in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and featured the Global Urban & Advanced Air Summit (GUAAS) 2024, focusing on the future of flight and fostering collaboration.

Workforce: The event addressed the industry’s skills gap and inspired future professionals through the “Pioneers of Tomorrow” event. Thousands of visitors engaged in stimulating discussions, exploring career opportunities, and connecting with industry leaders.

Start-up Zone

The introduction of the Start-up Zone, in partnership with Aerospace Xelerated, supported the show’s role in powering innovation across the global aerospace and defence industries.

The dedicated Start-up Zone, the first of its kind in the show, featured exhibition space for 16 AX portfolio companies, a lounge area to host meetings, and a stage area for panels, workshops, product demos, and a pitch competition.

Aerospace Xelerated portfolio companies that exhibited at this year’s FIA included AireXpert, AR Engineering, Axion Ray, Basetwo, Flare Bright, and others.

Researching Aviation Emissions

The chief technology officers of Boeing, Airbus, Dassault, GE Aerospace, Rolls-Royce, RTX and Safran called for government research programmes that enhance scientific understanding of aviation non-CO2 effects such as contrails, nitrogen oxides (NOx), aerosols and soot.

The technology leaders released a joint statement emphasising the importance of accelerating efforts critical to understanding and reducing aviation’s non-CO2 effects.

The aerospace industry actively works to improve the understanding of non-CO2 emissions in collaboration with research institutions, universities and other stakeholders.

The forum called for increased research funding for science needed to underpin technology choices, operational changes and policy decisions.

Here are details about the major activities of some of the significant players at the event:

Airbus Makes Key Announcements

Airbus took centre stage at the Airshow, showcasing its dedication to eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technology. The event featured a series of groundbreaking announcements from the company.

A key highlight was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Abra Group for five A350-900 aircraft, expanding the group’s long-haul operations. Additionally, a substantial order for 75 A320neo family aircraft and 15 A330-900 from flynas further solidified Airbus’ dominant position in the market.

Demonstrating its commitment to sustainability, Airbus unveiled a partnership with Avolon to explore hydrogen-powered aircraft and invested in LanzaJet to accelerate the development of sustainable aviation fuels. The initiatives underscored the company’s dedication to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Beyond product announcements, Airbus played a crucial role in shaping industry discourse through its participation in key discussions on space, defence, innovation, and workforce development.

Strong Showing by Boeing

Boeing made a significant impact at the show. Known for its iconic commercial aircraft like the 737, 777, and 787 Dreamliner, it showcased its latest innovations and technologies at the event.

The company’s presence was also marked by a series of strategic announcements and product displays.

A highlight of the show was Boeing’s emphasis on green aviation. The company unveiled its progress on the X-66 Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project and showcased the Boeing ecoDemonstrator, signifying its dedication to reducing aviation’s environmental impact.

Additionally, the partnership with Clear Sky to accelerate green aviation fuel production underscored Boeing’s commitment to a greener future.

On the commercial front, Boeing secured a substantial order for 777-9 airplanes from Qatar Airways, solidifying its position in the widebody market. Furthermore, the agreement with Ryanair to equip its fleet with Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro 5.0 electronic flight bags showcased Boeing’s leadership in digital aviation solutions.

In the defence sector, it displayed its capabilities through the P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and explored potential collaborations with Ukraine’s Antonov Company.

BAE Systems Advances Tempest Demonstrator

BAE Systems has made significant progress in developing a supersonic demonstrator for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). The company is utilising advanced manufacturing techniques, including additive manufacturing, to produce key components for the aircraft.

The demonstrator will serve as a testbed for new technologies and systems, including an innovative integrated payload bay.

The initiative marks a major step forward for the UK’s aerospace industry, as it will be the first UK-built tactical combat aircraft with a weapons bay since the 1950s. While the demonstrator is part of a UK-led programme, learnings from the project will be shared with GCAP partners Italy and Japan.

With extensive simulation testing already underway, BAE Systems is poised to take the next step in developing the Tempest fighter, a cornerstone of the UK’s future defence capabilities.

BA Fund for Pilot Training

British Airways announced a £21 million investment to fully fund up to 200 places on its Speedbird Pilot Academy for 2025, making it the only airline to offer such extensive financial support for pilot training.

The initiative aims to remove the barrier of the £100,000 cost associated with becoming a commercial pilot, opening the door to more aspiring pilots who may have been deterred by the expense.

The Speedbird Pilot Academy, launched last year, is designed to attract top talent and enhance diversity within the airline’s pilot community. The Academy has supported 100 future pilots from a pool of over 20,000 applicants, with the 2025 programme now expanded to accommodate 200 trainees. The training programme spans two years, leading to qualification as a First Officer.

British Airways made the announcement at the show, where it also showcased a new A320neo aircraft featuring advanced interiors and powered by over 35 per cent Sustainable Aviation Fuel.

Dassault’s Innovation Hub

Dassault Systèmes highlighted the power of its 3DExperience platform in driving the aerospace and defence industry forward. The company effectively showcased how digital technologies, including virtual twins, generative design, and augmented reality, can address industry challenges and accelerate innovation.

A key focus at the Dassault Systèmes chalet was on sustainability, with discussions on how digital tools can contribute to the development of greener aerospace vehicles.

The company also emphasised the importance of modernising defence systems, securing sovereign capabilities, and upskilling the workforce. Through collaborations with industry leaders, academia, and research institutions, it demonstrated its vow to shaping the future of the aerospace and defence industry.

Safran’s Milestones

Safran Electrical & Power has been selected by Boeing to provide the electrical power generation system for the X-66 flight demonstrator, a key element of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. The project aims to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions for commercial aviation.

Safran’s advanced system, integrated with the Pratt & Whitney GTF engine, delivers over 100kW of electrical power with enhanced efficiency and reduced hydro-mechanical losses, contributing to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

In another announcement, Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC) revealed an order for 10 LEAP-1A engines from Safran to power five Airbus A321neo family aircraft. The agreement underscores NAC’s expansion in the single-aisle market and highlights its ongoing partnership with CFM International, a joint venture between Safran and GE.

Safran also announced plans to open a new plant in Chihuahua, Mexico, set to begin operations in 2025. This new facility, part of Safran’s significant investment in the region, will enhance local economic development by creating over 225 direct jobs and more than 67 indirect jobs.

RTX Steals Spotlight

Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business, and OGMA Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal S.A. (OGMA), an Embraer company, inducted the first Pratt & Whitney GTF engine at OGMA’s Alverca-based facility. The milestone enhances their global service and support capabilities to increase GTF Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) capacity.

OGMA, part of the GTF MRO network since 2020, services the PW1100G-JM and PW1900G engines, powering the Airbus A320neo family and the Embraer E190-E2 and E195-E2 aircraft, respectively.

Pratt & Whitney also announced over 950 GTF engine orders and commitments in 2024, with notable customers including Avolon, Breeze Airways, Cebu Pacific, Icelandair, JetSMART, Mexicana, SKY Airline, SMBC, and Vietjet.

The company highlighted the GTF engine’s economic and environmental benefits, including up to 20 per cent better fuel efficiency, saving airlines over 1.7 billion gallons of fuel, and reducing carbon emissions by more than 17 million metric tonnes.

Separately, De Havilland Canada, in collaboration with RTX’s Pratt & Whitney Canada, launched an OEM Certified Refurbishment Programme for its Dash 8-400 aircraft, offering new PW150A engines.

The PW150A engine has demonstrated increased time on wing and remarkable dispatch reliability, enhancing the Dash 8-400 fleet’s performance and sustainability.

Embraer Unveils Major Upgrades

Embraer unveiled significant upgrades to its E195-E2, E190-E2, and E175 aircraft, enhancing fuel efficiency, range, and passenger experience.

Beyond commercial aviation, Embraer highlighted its defence capabilities with the announcement of a contract for six A-29 Super Tucano aircraft to the Paraguayan Air Force.

Eve Air Mobility, which specialises in manufacturing and providing services for electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, announced a noteworthy advancement in the assembly of its first full-scale eVTOL prototype. The company unveiled the aircraft being built in the Embraer test facility of Gaviao Peixoto, Sao Paulo.

With letters of intent for 2,900 eVTOLs, Eve’s aircraft utilises eight dedicated propellers for vertical flight and fixed wings to fly in cruise, with no change in the position of these components during flight.

The concept includes an electric pusher powered by dual electric motors that provide propulsion redundancy with the goal of ensuring the highest levels of performance, safety and dispatch reliability and low cost of operation.

Embraer’s Atech subsidiary also secured contracts to modernise Brazilian air traffic control systems.

GE’s Tech Showcase

GE Aerospace showcased its dedication to advancing the limits of aviation with a focus on cutting-edge engine development, digital solutions, and sustainability.

A highlight was the unveiling of the partnership with Kratos Turbine Technologies to develop small affordable engines for unmanned aerial systems. The collaboration underscores GE Aerospace’s exploration of new market segments and its commitment to innovation.

The company also reaffirmed its capabilities in commercial aviation with significant engine orders for Boeing’s 777F and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

It emphasised its dedication to green activities by showcasing advancements in engine efficiency and exploring alternative fuels. Its focus on reducing aviation’s environmental impact is evident in its ongoing research and development efforts.

Sky’s the Limit: Farnborough 2026

Farnborough 2024 reaffirmed its position as a global aviation epicentre, fostering collaboration, inspiring innovation, and shaping the industry’s trajectory.

As anticipation already builds for the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, scheduled to be held from July 20 to 24, the event promises to be an unparalleled showcase of the latest advancements and collaborative opportunities in aerospace, aviation, and defence.

More than 100 companies have already rebooked for the 2026 event, including the likes of Bell, Viasat, Reaction Engines, MBDA, and Northrop Grumman.

With Kallman Worldwide, Inc. securing 2,500 square metres of space as the first international pavilion, the stage is set for a robust U.S.-UK partnership, reflecting the event’s growing global significance.

As the world looks towards the future of flight, the latest event demonstrated the aerospace sector’s commitment to sustainability, technological advancement, and global cooperation.

One can expect a dazzling display of advanced technology, inspiring collaborations, and groundbreaking deals as the world’s aviation elite descends upon Farnborough once again for the next edition.

Text, Photo credit: Farnborough International Airshow 2024

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