Farnborough International Airshow 2024 closes with an impressive £81.5bn worth of deals and a focus on the Pioneers of Tomorrow
As Farnborough International Airshow (FIA2024) wraps its 45th edition, it’s been a soaring success with £81.5bn worth of deals agreed at the biennial airshow and 260 firm commercial aircraft orders made across the show’s first four days. For the UK alone, the total deals announced so far are worth £13bn.
And with the orders now done and dusted for this year, the focus on the fifth and final day of FIA2024 was very much on inspiring the pilots, engineers, manufacturers and innovators of the future.
Commenting on the value of events such as Pioneers of Tomorrow and the role it plays in encouraging young people into the sector, Royal Danish Air Force’s Captain Troels ‘Teo’ Vang, said it’s crucial we showcase the opportunities for young people across the sector so they understand what’s available.
Meanwhile and with women serving as both its CEO and head of manufacturing, ITP Aero is leading from the top when it comes to encouraging diversity across the workforce. Debbie Wilson, ITP’s head of quality told Aerospace Global News that although aviation is traditionally a male dominated industry, it’s great to see that changing as women increasingly rise through the ranks. The company’s STEM ambassadors were also gathered at the airshow to inspire young people. “It’s all about mentoring children and people from different backgrounds as we embrace a diverse workforce,” said Wilson.
Another industry leader ensuring diversity is at the top of the agenda, Virgin Atlantic is working hard to champion individuality through its ‘See the world differently’ campaign. It is also actively encouraging more women to train as pilots. “From zero to flying your first commercial airline full takes 13-months full time, but there is plenty of training and support.” She also noted young people shouldn’t be deterred if they don’t have a scientific degree. “Once you are on that training course, you’ll be supported every step of the way. If it’s your passion, don’t let anything put you off!”
And when it comes to training as an astronaut, even that’s no longer a ‘space’ dominated by men. Thirty-three-year-old astrophysicist Rosemary Coogan who qualified as a European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut in April said diversity is taking the space sector to another dimension. “Out of the five ESA astronauts I completed my training with, two were female and three were male, so we’re almost at that 50:50 split.”
Coogan also highlighted that diversity is about much more than gender. It’s also about empowering people of all backgrounds and abilities within the industry.
Aerobility’s Harvey Matthewson is one such person. Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at the age of two, a bad experience on a family holiday as a child put him off flying for good. Or so he thought, until a trip with a charity project to Africa in 2014 forced him to face his fears. He determined to return to the skies and achieve his PPL.
And while diversity and inclusion is improving across the sector, there is plenty of work still to do to make aviation truly accessible. Aerobility is a UK-based charity providing anyone with a disability with access to flying. “Bringing disabled people into the industry will only benefit it,” said Matthewson. “Imagine you are a wheelchair user and dependent on a carer for all your needs. But then you get in the pilot’s seat, out of your wheelchair. That feeling is profound,” he continued.
As the show wrapped up and all eyes turned to the skies above for the final air display of the week, there was an exciting formation from the Starlings Aerobatic team, as well as the Stampe Formation team which showcased their brightly coloured heritage aircraft. With a need for speed, the Royal Air Force performed an F-35 fly past, while the F-15QA bid farewell as it roared its way into the clouds, while the British Army’s world-famous Red Devils parachuted back to ground to close the show!
We look forward to seeing you again for Farnborough International Airshow 2026.
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