Years ago, the Farnborough International Airshow enjoyed the undivided attention of aerospace and defense professionals from the UK and overseas. But not anymore. The Royal International Air Tattoo and the preceding Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference now attract significant numbers of senior defense officials and industry leaders.
For many of them, the period starts with the Chiefs’ Conference in London. Although organized by The Air & Space Power Association, the UK Royal Air Force contributes major input to the program and to the invitation list. This year no fewer than 450 delegates registered to attend, including 60 air chiefs or their deputies. The event was live-streamed to many more, especially overseas. Topics included hybrid warfare, multi-domain operations, information superiority, ethics and morals, and sustainability. Speakers included 15 senior RAF leaders, the chief of the U.S. Air Force, and well-informed academics. Industry speakers from Airbus Defence & Space, BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, and Microsoft all agreed to participate.
Most of the conference delegates moved on to the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire. RIAT originated as an airshow for enthusiasts organized by enthusiasts. It is now the world’s largest military airshow, a three-day spectacle still appealing to legions of enthusiasts, but also a major corporate event. After two years without a show because of the pandemic, organizers prepared for pent-up demand that was expected to draw 170,000 people to view the eight-hour flying display and more than 200 aircraft.
More than 30 aerospace companies offered hospitality to their invited guests. Most of them were situated in a long marquee that shared an entrance and a corridor linking their individual chalets to allow guests to network with those from other companies. Organizers offered various sizes of chalets; they all feature private gardens on the flight line. Unlike at Farnborough, RIAT centrally organizes the catering, which it considers a big plus.
Farnborough retains its status as a major international trade show, second only to the Paris Air Show in size. The organizers say they expect 80,000 visitors and more than 1,000 exhibitors, two-thirds of them from outside the UK. Innovations will include the Aerospace Global Forum, intended to “drive climate action and transform our industry.” Various leaders from aerospace companies, airlines, think tanks, lobby groups and governments will participate over five days. But the event is not free: a ticket for all five days costs £795 plus VAT.
The show includes four trade days, running Monday to Thursday. Show organizers set aside Friday to appeal to young people considering careers in the aerospace industry with dedicated hands-on exhibits and activities and a careers hub. Organizers also have promised, “inspirational speakers from across aviation sharing their stories.” Entry will be free for anyone 21 years old or younger. Anyone older will have to pay £32.
Friday marks the only opportunity for the public to enter the Farnborough International Airshow, and this year show planners have canceled the traditional weekend flying display. However, Farnborough is promising a full flying display on all five days of the show.