Since its inception, Farnborough has been a stage for historic milestones in the aerospace industry, fostering technological breakthroughs and engineering marvels. On September 7, 2023, the Farnborough International Airshow commemorated its 75th anniversary, a testament to its enduring legacy as a cornerstone of aviation innovation. The event continues to be a hub for forging partnerships and pursuing goals. This year’s Farnborough International Airshow took place from July 22-26, 2024 in Hampshire, UK and focused on six key themes of Space, Defence, Sustainability, Innovation, Future Flight, and Workforce. The Farnborough Airshow 2024 placed a spotlight on sustainable aviation, AI-based solutions, advanced air mobility, and groundbreaking technologies, reflecting the industry’s forward-looking agenda. The Airshow 2024 also showcased a remarkable array of innovations and strategic collaborations, reflecting the aerospace industry’s commitment to sustainability, efficiency, and advanced technology. These announcements highlight a future of enhanced global connectivity, reduced environmental impact, and pioneering advancements in aviation.

Farnborough International Airshow 2024 (FIA2024) attracted over 1,00,000 visitors and 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries. The event saw a 33 per cent increase in visitor numbers and a 57 per cent rise in delegation attendance compared to previous years. Over 390 civil, military, and space delegations participated, highlighting the show’s global significance. The event witnessed commercial aircraft and engine orders around $105.8 billion from major industry players such as Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer. These deals are expected to inject £13 billion into the UK economy. The United Kingdom’s new Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, officially opened FIA2024, drawing the world’s attention to Farnborough. A new feature for 2024 was the UK Government Hub, which offered a platform for political, industry, and international stakeholders to showcase the government’s support for the aerospace, defence, and space sectors.

The 2024 Farnborough International Airshow showcased a dazzling array of aviation feats, aerospace technology and aircraft capabilities. From cutting-edge military jets to innovative commercial airliners, the event featured a variety of impressive displays that captured the attention of enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

MILITARY

At FIA 2024, the US military showcased 13 aircraft from its Air Force, Navy and Army as part of its participation, including B-52, F-15, F-35, F-16M, F-35A, P-8, CH-47F, AH-64E, UH-60V, C-130J and MQ-9. The Royal Air Force’s Lockheed Martin F-35B, a short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) fighter aircraft, performed a dramatic flypast, followed by a landing and subsequent takeoff. The UK’s Joint Aviation Command showcased the CH-47 Chinook helicopter, renowned for its heavy-lift capabilities and versatility across various mission profiles, including military and humanitarian operations. The Royal Danish Air Force’s F-16AM Fighting Falcon, enhanced through the Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) programme to near-Block 52 standards, showcased its agility and combat readiness. As the most prevalent aircraft type within NATO, the F-16’s performance reaffirmed its critical role in allied air forces. The Qatar Emiri Air Force’s F-15QA Advanced Eagle, the most advanced variant of the F-15, displayed its cutting-edge technology and superior performance. This aircraft represents the latest in the evolution of the F-15 series, offering enhanced capabilities for modern air combat scenarios. Textron Aviation’s Beechcraft King Air 260 multi-engine training system made its international debut, set to replace the aging King Air 90-based Beechcraft T-44 Pegasus in the US Navy.

The Anglo-Italian-Japanese consortium behind the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) unveiled the latest design iteration of their sixth-generation fighter aircraft. The new models and graphics feature a large, near-delta shaped wing, reminiscent of other advanced fighter projects in Europe and the US Italy’s ELT Group presented a range of electronic defence technologies, with a particular focus on electromagnetic spectrum operations. ELT’s ongoing research and development efforts aim to make electromagnetic spectrum operations interoperable and integrated across all operational domains, extending the company’s defence capabilities to include space and cyberspace. Leonardo announced the launch of the Block 20 iteration of the M-346 training and fighter aircraft. This upgrade promises comprehensive capability enhancements, making the M-346 even more competitive in the market. For the first time, Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace presented its indigenously developed fighter engine at the Farnborough Airshow. The 15,000-pound thrust class powerplant is said to be comparable to GE’s F414 engine. Hanwha’s engine is expected to power the KAI KF-21 Boramae indigenous fighter in its Block III version by the mid-2030s.

Embraer made a strong presence at the Farnborough International Airshow. Embraer Aircraft displayed at Farnborough included the E195-E2, the world’s most efficient and quietest narrowbody, E190F, an E-Jet cargo conversion that is making its debut at the show, C-390 Millennium, a multi-mission military tactical transport and A-29 Super Tucano, a multi-role defence aircraft. Embraer also revealed wide ranging upgrades and performance improvements across its commercial jet product line up. The upgrades on the E195-E2, E190-E2, and E175, including fuel burn and range improvements, avionics and cabin upgrades, were announced at the Farnborough Airshow. Embraer’s C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft also took to the skies, showcasing its multirole capabilities.

CIVIL/COMMERCIAL

Embraer’s E195-E2 airliner graced the skies above Farnborough, powered by two Pratt & Whitney PW1900G Geared Turbofans, each delivering up to 23,000 pounds of thrust. The aircraft offers multiple seating configurations, accommodating up to 146 passengers in a single-class layout. With a maximum range of 2,600 nautical miles and a cruising speed of Mach 0.82, the E195-E2 demonstrated its capability to serve various routes efficiently. Making its public debut, Embraer’s E190F freighter, a converted passenger jet, headlined the company’s activities at Farnborough. The E190F addresses the evolving demands of e-commerce and modern trade with its fast delivery capabilities and decentralised operations.

Airbus’s A321XLR, equipped with CFM International LEAP 1A engines, made a significant impression at the show. Having received type certification from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the A321XLR is set to enter service by the end of the summer. The aircraft has already garnered over 500 orders, reflecting its anticipated impact on long-range narrowbody travel.

The T625 Gökbey helicopter from Turkish Aerospace demonstrated its adaptability for a wide range of missions, from military operations to civilian applications, highlighting its potential to meet diverse operational needs.

The ATR 72-600, a regional airliner developed through a joint venture between Airbus and Leonardo, demonstrated its efficiency and reliability. Powered by Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127 turboprops, the aircraft offers a typical seating capacity of 72 passengers, making it a vital asset for regional airlines.

The Diamond Aircraft DART-750, an all-composite aerobatic basic trainer, showcased its capabilities powered by the Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A turboprop. With advanced avionics and an all-composite airframe, the DART-750 offers a state-of-the-art training platform for future pilots.

Although Boeing’s commercial airliners were absent from the static and flying displays, the company showcased a crosssection mockup of its new 777X cabin. This display offered visitors a preview of the advanced comfort and technology that passengers can expect in the future.

NEXT-GEN

Joby Aviation’s electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi made its first European appearance, offering a vision of urban air mobility. With six tilting rotors for lift and thrust, Joby’s air taxi has accumulated over 33,000 test miles and conducted more than 100 flights with pilots on board, signaling a promising future for urban transportation.

Supernal’s four-passenger S-A2 eVTOL aircraft made its international debut, showcasing a new mode of public transportation designed to alleviate urban traffic congestion. The engineering team is progressing towards a full-scale technology demonstrator, with the first prototype expected to fly in 2025.

VoltAero exhibited the Cassio 330, a hybrid-electric aircraft designed to provide sustainable regional air transportation. The Cassio 330 represents a significant step towards greener aviation solutions.

Airbus and Diehl Defence presented mockups of their remote carrier designs, featuring advanced aerodynamics, lowobservable shapes, and internal weapon and sensor payload bays. Airbus’s Wingman concept and Diehl’s Feanix model demonstrated the potential for network-enabled, long-range unmanned systems capable of conducting swarming missions.

Digital reality solutions provider Hexagon unveiled its latest automated quality inspection system at this year’s Farnborough Airshow. The newly launched PRESTO XL inspection cell is a significant addition to Hexagon’s modular series of turn-key systems. Designed to meet the rising demand for increased aerospace production, the fully automated PRESTO XL system can be deployed globally on manufacturing lines within just 16 weeks. This system is suitable for inspecting over 50 per cent of major aerostructure components, including fuselage panels, doors, and wing ribs.

UK-based Magnet Schultz made waves at the Farnborough Airshow by unveiling its first EN9100-certified hydrogen power product. The company showcased its state-of-the-art solenoid valve designed for hydrogen gas flow control in aerospace applications. This high-tech proportional solenoid valve adheres to the EN9100 quality management standards set by the International Standards Organisation (ISO 9001), marking a significant milestone in hydrogen power technology for the aerospace sector.

GKN Aerospace revealed the H2FlyGHT initiative, an ambitious project to develop a 2-megawatt (MW) cryogenic hydrogen-electric propulsion system. This cutting-edge system aims to set new standards for the next generation of larger, sustainable aircraft. By leveraging hydrogen-electric technology, GKN Aerospace is paving the way for more environmentally friendly aviation solutions.

STRATEGIC DEALS

Airbus: Preliminary deals for 95 aircraft with Saudi budget carrier Flynas and Latin American holding company Abra. Flynas signed for 75 A320neos and 15 A330-900s, while Abra committed to five A350-900s. Additionally, Virgin Atlantic ordered seven more A330neos, VietJet firmed its order for 20 A330neos, Drukair signed for three A320neos and two A321XLRs. Libyan airline Berniq Airways placed a firm order with Airbus for six A320neo family aircraft, aimed at enhancing its regional and international route network. Meanwhile, Japan Airlines (JAL) confirmed its commitment to Airbus with orders for 20 A350- 900s and 11 A321neos. JAL’s total order for A350s now stands at 52, with 18 already in service. Airbus also celebrated a significant milestone with Cebu Pacific’s purchase of up to 152 A321neo aircraft, marking the largest aircraft order in Philippine aviation history.

Boeing: Korean Air committed to up to 50 widebodies, including 777-9s and 787-10s. National Air Cargo signed for four 777Fs with deliveries scheduled between late 2025 and early 2026, Luxair ordered two firm and two option 737 MAX 10s and Qatar Airways ordered 20 Boeing 777-9s. Macquarie AirFinance purchased 20 Boeing 737-8s, doubling the lessor’s existing 737-8 order book, which it initially acquired from Alafco Aviation Lease and Finance in 2023. Qatar Airways solidified its commitment to Boeing by confirming an additional order of 20 Boeing 777-9 aircraft, expanding its 777X order book to a total of 94 airplanes. The Doha-based airline now has on order 60 of the 777-9 passenger models and 34 of the smaller 777-8 freighters, making Qatar Airways the launch customer for the 777-8F. Additionally, Qatar Airways has placed orders for 12 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 737 MAX jets, further reinforcing its expansive fleet strategy. Additionally, Boeing also secured a strategic partnership with Lufthansa Technik for 787 cabin modifications.

Embraer has signed a pair of contracts with Brazil’s Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) aimed at modernising the country’s air traffic control centers and upgrading strategic solutions for the management of national airspace flow. The two new contracts, worth $17 million, will be implemented by Embraer’s Atech subsidiary, which specialises in systems engineering, decision support, and situational awareness technologies. The Paraguayan Air Force confirmed an order for six Embraer A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, set for delivery starting in 2025. Embraer’s export versions of the Super Tucano cover armed reconnaissance and close air support roles. The Dutch Ministry of defence also signed a contract for nine Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft as part of a joint purchase with Austria. Five aircraft will go to the Royal Netherlands Air Force and four to the Austrian Air Force.

Turkey’s Freebird Airlines selected Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of RTX, to provide a software solution for improving operations across its A320 fleet. Freebird Airlines will implement Ascentia, Collins Aerospace’s cloud-based data management and analytics platform, to gain a comprehensive view of aircraft maintenance. This solution will enable the airline to predict and reduce aircraft-on-ground events, ultimately lowering maintenance costs and enhancing the passenger experience.

Jekta Switzerland and Hong Kong’s Seaplane Asia have signed an agreement to add 14 PHA-ZE 100 amphibious aircraft to the Southeast Asian operator’s fleet. This deal highlights the growing demand for versatile and sustainable aircraft in the region.

Taiwanese airline EVA Air has placed an order for GEnx engines to power an additional four Boeing 787-10 aircraft. EVA Air currently operates 15 GEnx-powered Boeing 787s. The GEnx-1B engine, powering two-thirds of all 787 aircraft in service, has amassed over 56 million flight hours since its introduction in 2011 and stands as GE Aerospace’s fastest-selling, high-thrust engine.

Long-time ATR customer Air Tahiti has signed a new purchase agreement for four ATR 72-600 aircraft. Scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2028, these twin turboprops will support the airline’s planned expansion in flight frequency and capacity. Air Tahiti, which has been using ATR aircraft for nearly 40 years, currently operates a fleet of 11 aircraft, including nine ATR 72-600s and two ATR 42-600s.

De Havilland Canada (DHC) has signed an agreement with Colombia’s Servicio Aéreo a Territorios Nacionales (Satena) for the purchase of eight DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft. This sale will enhance Colombia’s air connectivity by improving access to remote areas. Majority-owned by the government of Colombia, Satena plays a vital role in providing essential air services to less connected regions.

ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY

GKN Aerospace will use German start-up Vaeridion’s all-electric, nine-passenger regional airliner as a testbed for developing new electrical wiring interconnection systems (EWIS) technology. The company announced the collaboration, along with a similar partnership with electric propulsion system developer H55.

Electra’s nine-passenger hybrid-electric eSTOL (electric short takeoff and landing) aircraft will incorporate Honeywell Aerospace’s flight control computers and electromechanical actuation systems. Honeywell confirmed its role as a programme partner and disclosed an investment from its venture capital business unit in the US startup.

Global Sky has committed to purchasing 15 Cassio hybridelectric aircraft from VoltAero, becoming the launch customer for the French startup’s innovative vehicle. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) highlights the Cassio family’s potential for regional air services, freight deliveries, and emergency medical support.

Luxaviation Group’s Sigma Air Mobility is also partnering with VoltAero to introduce a family of hybrid-electric aircraft. During the airshow, VoltAero announced that Sigma will assist in developing use cases and testing the aircraft in various operational environments, with plans for a route demonstration project at an undisclosed location.

Honeywell and Odys Aviation have signed an MoU to co-develop ground control stations for Odys Aviation’s hybrid-electric VTOL aircraft, Laila. The ground control stations, scalable to various VTOL platforms, will allow remote pilots to manage multiple vehicles simultaneously, including beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations.

Australian startup airline Wilbur Air has entered into an agreement with Spain’s Crisalion Mobility to operate 100 Integrity eVTOL aircraft. These five-passenger, battery-electric vehicles, capable of flying up to 71 nautical miles, will connect a network of vertiports planned across Australian cities.

German electric aircraft manufacturer Lilium, in collaboration with SEA Milan Airports and Skyports Infrastructure, has initiated a project to establish a network of eVTOL air taxi services in Milan. Saudi Arabian airline Saudia has entered into a binding sales agreement with Lilium for 50 six-passenger eVTOL aircraft, with options for an additional 50 units.

Eve Air Mobility, an Embraer spin-off, has secured additional funding from Space Florida, bringing its latest funding round to $95.6 million. Eve also announced new partnerships with Diehl Aviation and ASE to develop cabin interiors and power distribution systems, respectively.

In a bid to develop a network of eVTOL air taxi services, Wisk Aero has partnered with Skyports Infrastructure to identify potential vertiport locations in Australia’s South East Queensland (SEQ) region.

STEPS TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY

Airbus and Airports Council International (ACI) World will partner in a broad range of initiatives including the promotion of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), hydrogen technologies, advanced air mobility, operational efficiency, and noise mitigation. Boeing has selected Safran Electrical & Power to provide the electrical power generation system for its X-66 flight demonstrator, part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. This transonic truss-braced wing concept aircraft is scheduled to begin test flights in 2028. Airbus announced an investment in LanzaJet, a pioneer in sustainable aviation fuel SAF technology. Leading aviation finance company Avolon is exploring financing options for hydrogenpowered commercial aircraft as a part of Airbus’s ZeroE project, aimed at developing the world’s first zero-emission commercial aircraft.

A consortium including Air France-KLM Group, Associated Energy Group, BNP Paribas, Mitsubishi HC Capital Inc., and Qantas Airways, has co-invested $200 million in a SAF financing fund to accelerate the production of SAF. GKN Aerospace is investing £4 million ($5.2 million) to advance Airbus’s Sustainable Wing Solutions (SusWingS) research and technology programme.

Dutch regional aircraft developer Maeve announced a collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada on designing the M80 hybrid-electric 80-seater regional aircraft. With a range of up to 1,200 nautical miles, the M80 represents a significant leap forward in sustainable regional aviation.

INNOVATIVE AEROSPACE ADVANCEMENTS

• Lockheed Martin and Lufthansa Technik have signed an MoU to enhance sustainment and logistics management for international clients.
• FDH Aero has signed a cooperation agreement with Sacheon City, Korea. This partnership aims to nurture and promote the country’s burgeoning space sector.
• L3Harris has announced new deals with Japanese and Indian airlines. Their Reality7e Boeing 787-9 full flight simulator received approval from the Japanese Civil Aviation Bureau. Additionally, L3Harris has partnered with Air India to supply SRVIVR25 voice and data recorders for its Boeing 737-8 fleet.
• Pratt & Whitney has partnered with SR Technics to commence MRO services for the PW1100G Geared Turbofan engine at SR Technics’ Zurich facility.
• Avolon placed a substantial order, valued at over $5 billion, for 310 new engines to power 155 Airbus A320neo-family aircraft, splitting the order between Pratt & Whitney GTF engines and CFM International’s LEAP-1A engines.
• Boom Supersonic announced progress with its Overture aircraft, revealing a partnership with StandardAero to test and assemble the Symphony engines and unveiling the aircraft’s Honeywell Anthem avionics suite.
• Pratt & Whitney announced that Sky Airline selected the GTF engine to power its A321XLR aircraft, marking Sky Airline’s first partnership with Pratt & Whitney.
• Jekta chose ZeroAvia’s fuel cell power generation system for its planned PHA-ZE 100 hydrogen-electric amphibious aircraft, with a full-scale prototype expected by 2027 and EASA type certification by 2029.
• United Airlines selected Honeywell Aerospace Technologies to provide advanced avionics for its 737 MAX fleet, including 3D weather radar and enhanced traffic avoidance systems.
• Boeing signed an MoU with the Ukrainian Antonov Company to explore potential collaborations in the defence sector. This partnership will focus on training, logistical support, and overhaul for the ScanEagle UAV, enhancing the capabilities of both companies in the surveillance and reconnaissance domain.
• ITP Aero and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) have renewed their collaboration, with ITP continuing to provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for the PW800 engine’s mid-turbine frame (MTF) and low-pressure compressor (LPC) modules until 2028.
• GE Aerospace and Kratos Turbine Technologies (KTT) have signed an MoU to develop a family of small, affordable turbofan engines. This partnership aims to cater to the growing market for unmanned air vehicles, including collaborative combat aircraft, loitering munitions, and cruise missiles.

From groundbreaking agreements to support environmental goals to strategic defence collaborations, the FIA 2024 showcased the aerospace industry’s commitment to a greener future and cutting-edge developments.

The 2024 Farnborough International Airshow again demonstrated its pivotal role in showcasing a wide array of cuttingedge advancements and fostering strategic partnerships within the aerospace industry. This year’s event also witnessed some notable announcements, with a focus on sustainability and technological advancements. As the aerospace sector continues to evolve, events like Farnborough provide a crucial platform for unveiling the future of aviation and aerospace technology.