By Samuel Ssenono
The Farnborough International Airshow 2026 closed after a landmark week for the global aerospace industry, attracting 141,580 trade and public visitors and generating commercial agreements worth more than $84.7 billion.
Attendance rose by 41 per cent compared with the previous edition and was nearly double the figure recorded in 2022, according to organisers.
Over five days, representatives from governments, aircraft manufacturers, defence companies, investors, start-ups, universities and the media gathered at Farnborough from 136 countries.
The event recorded 353 firm commercial aircraft orders and 904 firm engine orders, with Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, LEAP and Pratt & Whitney leading the major commercial announcements.
Defence companies, including BAE Systems, MBDA and Anduril Industries, also used the show to unveil new technologies and expand partnerships in the military aerospace sector.
One of the show’s major highlights came from Vertical Aerospace, which completed the first public electric vertical take-off and landing flight at Farnborough.
The aircraft demonstrated its ability to transition from helicopter-style flight to aeroplane mode before switching back, marking an important step in the development of electric air mobility.
The UAE National Air Display Team, Fursan Al Emarat, also made its Farnborough debut with a seven-aircraft aerial display.
The airshow also served as a platform for engagement between governments and industry, with discussions focusing on defence, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, investment and the future of aviation.
Thousands of young people attended the sold-out Pioneers of Tomorrow programme, where they took part in careers activities, live demonstrations and engagements with employers and education institutions aimed at inspiring the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Farnborough International Chief Executive Gareth Rogers said the event had strengthened international partnerships, generated new business opportunities and reinforced the industry’s focus on innovation.
“Across the week, we have seen business getting done, partnerships strengthened and ideas turned into action, all against the backdrop of an industry focused on innovation and long-term progress,” Rogers said.
The Farnborough International Airshow will return from 17 to 21 July 2028.
