The organizers of the Farnborough International Airshow have canceled the event, scheduled for July 20 to 24, due to concerns over the Covid-19 outbreak.
“After very careful consideration, the unprecedented impact of the global coronavirus pandemic has forced this decision in the interests of the health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, contractors, and staff,” said Farnborough International’s board of directors in a written statement.
“This decision was reached taking into consideration several major factors surrounding the outbreak of Covid-19, all of which we have concluded, make it impossible for us to create and host the Airshow this July." The FIA organizers added that they are “determined to work together” and that the airshow will return in 2022 “better than ever.”
One of the industry’s most important events, the biennial show drew 80,000 visitors in 2018. Nevertheless, companies have long complained about the cost of exhibiting at airshows and conferences around the world, notwithstanding the opportunity they offer to conduct business with customers and suppliers all in one location.
However, the air show in Farnborough, as with most industry gatherings of such magnitude, usually brings with it vital investment into the local economy and highlights the important role the aerospace industry plays in the wider, global economy.
Although the last major international airshow, held in Singapore in February, proceeded despite the gathering threat of the coronavirus, more than 70 companies canceled their participation, including Lockheed Martin, Textron, and Gulfstream.