The Farnborough International Airshow opens on Monday with the global aerospace industry expected to showcase major commercial aircraft agreements while defence companies seek new business as governments increase military spending in response to conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Boeing and Airbus are widely expected to announce new aircraft orders during the five-day event, although industry sources say the total number of deals is likely to be significantly below forecasts by some analysts, who had predicted more than 800 orders. Ongoing supply chain constraints continue to limit aircraft production, affecting the pace at which manufacturers can commit to new deliveries.
According to industry sources, Boeing and Airbus are together expected to secure just over 300 aircraft orders unless additional agreements are finalised during the show.
One of the biggest anticipated announcements is an order for around 100 narrowbody aircraft from each manufacturer by Irish leasing company SMBC Aviation Capital. Bloomberg News first reported the potential deal, although neither the companies involved nor SMBC Aviation Capital have commented publicly.
Other airlines believed to be discussing aircraft purchases include Riyadh Air and Philippine Airlines. Meanwhile, negotiations between Turkish Airlines and engine manufacturers over long-term maintenance agreements remain unresolved. The airline has linked those discussions to its planned purchase of 150 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with no breakthrough reported ahead of the exhibition.
While commercial aviation remains a major attraction, defence is expected to dominate much of this year’s event. Organisers say defence companies account for half of the record 1,600 exhibitors attending the airshow, reflecting growing investment in military capabilities across Europe, North America and other regions.
Wars in Ukraine and the Middle East have reshaped defence priorities, driving demand for advanced technologies including unmanned combat aircraft, drone systems, missile defence platforms and artificial intelligence-based military software. Manufacturers are expected to use the event to present new products designed to meet changing battlefield requirements.
The opening day of the airshow also coincides with the first day in office of Prime Minister-in-waiting Andy Burnham, who is expected to make an appearance during the July 20-24 exhibition.
On the eve of the event, Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Stephanie Pope said the company’s priority remains improving manufacturing performance rather than focusing on announcing new sales. Boeing has been working to increase production while addressing supply chain issues and manufacturing challenges that have affected deliveries.
First held in 1948 as a showcase for British aerospace innovation, the Farnborough Airshow has grown into one of the world’s leading aviation exhibitions. This year’s event highlights the industry’s twin priorities of rebuilding commercial aircraft production while responding to rising global demand for modern defence technology.
