Farnborough International Airshow 2026 generates $84.7bn in deals as attendance surges
Farnborough International Airshow 2026 closed after a record-breaking week that attracted over 141,000 visitors and generated over $84.7 billion in commercial business, underscoring the Airshow’s position as one of the world’s leading aerospace gatherings.
The event welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors from 136 countries. That is a 41% increase compared with the previous show and almost double the attendance recorded in 2022.
The five-day exhibition brought together aerospace, defence, space, government, investors, and academia to showcase new technology, announce major orders and discuss the future of aviation.
Commercial orders dominate the week
This year’s Farnborough International Airshow featured several major aircraft and engine announcements by Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, LEAP and Pratt & Whitney.
According to organisers, Farnborough International, the event secured:
- $84.7 billion in commercial business
- 353 firm commercial aircraft orders
- 904 firm engine orders
Farnborough continues to serve as a major venue for aerospace manufacturers and suppliers to announce new agreements and strengthen relationships with airline customers and leasing companies.
Defence and advanced air mobility take centre stage
Defence featured prominently at the Farnborough International Airshow with companies including BAE Systems, MBDA and Anduril Industries unveiling new technologies and capabilities.
Advanced Air Mobility also provided one of the week’s standout moments —Vertical Aerospace’s first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight at the airshow. The demonstration included a transition from helicopter mode to fixed-wing flight before returning to vertical flight, marking a milestone for advanced air mobility in front of a public audience.
Visitors were also treated to the Farnborough debut of the Fursan Al Emarat, the UAE National Air Display Team, whose seven-aircraft display added a new international highlight to the flying programme.
Government ministers attend industry gathering
Farnborough also served as a meeting point for key government and industry leaders.
Members of the UK government attending included:
- Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Defence
- Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence
- Jonathan Reynolds MP, Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade
Their presence backed the UK’s aerospace industrial strategy, defence capability, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
Inspiring the next generation
The show’s Pioneers of Tomorrow programme once again focused on addressing the aerospace industry’s future workforce needs.
The initiative sold out before the event and welcomed thousands of students and members of the public on the final day. Through interactive exhibits, careers advice, live demonstrations, and opportunities to meet employers and educators, the programme aimed to encourage young people to pursue careers in aerospace, engineering, and STEM disciplines.
Industry looks ahead to 2028
Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said the event demonstrated the strength and resilience of the global aerospace sector.
“Farnborough International Airshow 2026 has once again shown what can be achieved when the global aerospace community comes together with purpose. 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.”
He added:
“From the organisations defining aerospace today to the pioneers building its future, the energy across the show has been exceptional. We are proud to provide a platform that drives commercial success, supports international collaboration and inspires the next generation.”
The next Farnborough International Airshow will take place 17-21 July 2028 at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in Hampshire.
