Farnborough International, Hampshire, UK 18-22 July 2022
Report by Peter Davison and Colin Coulthard
After the excitement of the Air Tattoo (see previous post), this was a cooler and toned down event; now lacking the public weekend with only the Friday for educational visitors. Sadly, those exhibitors that previously started dismantling before the public got to be ‘inspired’ now started departures on Thursday with even some star attractions like the 777-9 departing back to their test programs.
Having attended all the shows since 1964 I have never seen such open spaces at this world famous showcase now becoming a four day trade show. Hopefully the sales generated will cover the costs.
The most dominant players were Gulfstream and Leonardo with the latest G800 added to the range since EBACE in Geneva. It was fortunate that the 75th anniversary of the USAF meant an increased military presence in the sparse static park.
Other players showing the flag were Turkish Aviation Industries with concept models, some UAVs and the Hurcas trainer which, at least, flew briefly. The airliner sector, without Boeing’s giant from Thursday, included the first European outing for the MAX 10, still under threat from the regulators but boosted by a recent order from Delta Airlines. An bright ATI 787 brought colour to a grey ramp.
Airbus showed the nimble and popular A350 plus an A220 in the static. An ATR led the group championing green aeronautics; a major theme in the busy exhibition halls where power-plant ideas showed a way forward.
Unmanned and flying car concepts abound though one wonders how practical these solutions might be in built up areas in the hands of drivers yet to study for PPLs. Hopefully the technologies will eventually filter into the hands of commercial operators using airfield and proper ATC.
