Farnborough Airshow to axe public weekend displays

Boeing demonstrated the 787-8 with a near vertical take-off (Image: Aviation Media Agency)
Boeing demonstrated the 787-8 with a near vertical take-off (Image: Aviation Media Agency)

The organisers of the Farnborough International Airshow have said that they will no longer be organising a public display as part of the biennial event.

The event will now focus solely on the 5 trade days of the airshow where manufacturers from across Aerospace demonstrate their products to potential buyers and the wider industry.

The Red Arrows and Airbus A400M at the Farnborough International Air Show (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
The Red Arrows and Airbus A400M at the Farnborough International Air Show (Image: Aviation Media Co.)

The decision to end the public display weekend follows negative feedback about the display largely due to the restrictions imposed due to its location which meant aerobatic teams such as the Red Arrows are restricted to flypasts only.

Despite the lack of aerobatic displays from fast jets, Farnborough was one of the few airshows where civilian aircraft such as the A380 and 787 would display making it unique amongst major airshows in the UK which are almost all military focused.

Airbus A330neo at Farnborough (Image: Aviation Media Co.)
Airbus A330neo at Farnborough (Image: Aviation Media Co.)

Speaking about the airshow Farnborough International CEO, Gareth Rogers said: “The Farnborough International Airshow is a unique event. Allowing the public to see more of the people, products and processes that underpin the global aerospace, defence and space industries will help engage and inspire a new generation.

“Removing the public weekend will disappoint some, but for our exhibitors and trade visitors the focus is on business and accessing the talent they need to sustain global competitiveness.”

The 2020 Farnborough International Airshow will run from Monday 20th July through to Friday 24th July and the show will be open to the public on the Friday.

Highlights from the 2018 Farnborough Airshow

About Lisa Parkes 148 Articles
Lisa is an aviation and engineering journalist who has written for several headline news outlets. Originally from the US, she now calls Swansea her home and keeps a keen eye on the growing aviation industry in Wales.