Countdown to Farnborough: 2014 Preview – On the Ground & In the Air

For the final blog post counting down to Farnborough 2014, we preview some of the key highlights to look out for at the airshow next week – both on the ground and in the air.

On the Ground

1. Meet the Buyer – highly successful in 2012, this event gives companies a unique environment to speak directly to Primes, Tier 1s and other large companies who are actively seeking future suppliers. Up to 42 ‘buyers’ are expected – ranging from AgustaWestland to Bombardier, as well as representatives from Chinese and Brazilian Aerospace Clusters

2. Futures Day – Aimed at 11-21 year olds, Futures Day takes place on the Friday of the airshow and is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of UK engineers, designers, pilots and astronauts. Highlights of the day include hearing from Major Tim Peake, the SCC Bloodhound and the Schools ‘Build a Plane’ challenge.

3. Innovation Zone – For those attending the trade show days, the Innovation Zone in Hall 4 will showcase the latest UK-led R&D aerospace technology projects – combining research universities, government organisations and programmes as well as the work of various other research agencies.

4. Conferences – During the week, the airshow will host a number of conferences ranging from the latest updates and announcements from the Aerospace Growth Partnership (AGP) and the Defence Growth Partnership (DGP), to specially hosted Space seminars. The conference programme also includes variety of sessions run by UKTI, discussing global aerospace business opportunities.

5. New Aircraft Static Displays –Particular highlights of the static displays this year will be the Textron AirLand Scorpion on its first international trip; the Vintage Aircraft Collection and a range of new business jets – including the Dassault Falcon 7X and the Bombardier Challenger 350. The paintwork of the striking new Air New Zealand 787-9 is also well worth a closer look!

In the Air

1. Airbus A350 – FIA2014 represents the Farnborough debut of the A350, demonstrating both the significant advances in modern noise reduction technology as well as showcasing the world class UK supply chain. The A350’s Singapore display can be viewed below:

2. AV8 Harrier – the Spanish Navy Harrier will show the remarkable VTOL capabilities born in the UK. The Harrier also remains in active service with the US Marines, and watch out for a potential ‘bow’ from the aircraft at the end of the show.

3. Red Arrows – Performing mostly on the public days, the Red Arrows will be in their 50th display year and from the Black Arrows to the Yellow Jacks, have a unique history with the airshow.

4. Eurofighter Typhoon – Painted in special livery to mark the 70th year since the D-Day landings, the Typhoon will be loud and displaying on every day of the air show.

http://youtu.be/GPJnK4LcjEM

5. Gloster Meteor – Displaying on the public days, the Gloster Meteor is an especially important aircraft to join in Farnborough’s celebration s of 100 years of aviation. It represents UK ingenuity and, thanks to Frank Whittle’s Turbojet breakthrough , the birth of military jet fighters.