Yesterday, industry representatives and parliamentarians gathered at the Air League in Parliament reception to drum up excitement for the biennial Farnborough International Airshow, with less than a month to go.
The reception, hosted by the Air League and sponsored by Farnborough International, provided attendees with the opportunity to hear more about the highlights of the Airshow and its importance as a global showcase for the UK aerospace community.
More UK SMEs exhibit at Farnborough than any other international exhibition, and the last Airshow in 2014 saw record-breaking orders worth over $200bn and attracted visitors from 75 different countries. It is also a valuable opportunity for parliamentarians of all parties to see the latest technology, meet lots of successful UK companies and watch the impressive daily flying display.
Speaking at the reception were Paul Everitt, Chief Executive of ADS and Chairman of Farnborough International, and Shaun Ormrod, Chief Executive of Farnborough International, who discussed the importance of our sectors and the highlights of the Airshow. Of particular interest to the audience were the Innovation and Space Zones and Futures Day on Friday 15 July, which will see thousands of young people visit to find out more about the exciting careers on offer in our sectors.
Sir Gerald Howarth, MP for Aldershot and host of the reception, and Terry Holloway, Vice-Chair of the Air League, also praised the importance of the Airshow and strength of the UK’s aerospace sector.
The highlight for many guests was the presence of Wing Commander John Butcher, Chief of Staff for the Lightening Force and Future Commander of the 617 Squadron, who discussed the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The F-35, the state-of-the-art fifth generation fighter jet that uses stealth technology to hide from enemy radars, will make one of its first appearances outside of the US at Farnborough next month.
The Farnborough International Airshow is just 27 days away! With such strong interest from industry and parliamentarians alike, 2016 is set to be the most exciting Airshow yet.
