Farnborough Int. Airshow 2014 Opens with Significant Orders

The Farnborough International Airshow got off to a confident start on Monday with Prime Minister, David Cameron, MP making a significant announcement and orders and commitments totalling approximately US$41.9bn – over three times that announced on the first day of 2012.

During his visit to the show, the Prime Minister announced a £1.1bn investment in capabilities for the armed forces and set out the action plan taken by the Defence Growth Partnership of industry and Government, as part of the long-term economic plan to improve competitiveness and boost the UK defence sector.

The first day of FIA 2014 saw a flood of orders and commitments for new commercial aircraft and engines and also the launch of the Airbus A330-800neo and the A330-900neo as well as the launch of the Trent 7000 which will be the exclusive engine on the A330neo.

Air Lease Corporation has already signed a Memorandum of Understanding for 25 A330-900neo aircraft, becoming the first launch customer for this new widebody. Air Lease Corp also announced a firm order for 60 A321neo aircraft.

ATR signed a deal with Nordic Aviation Capital for 75 ATR 42-600s.

By 15:00 there were firm orders and commitments for 326 large commercial jets and regional aircraft with a combined value of US$33.3bn. In addition there were orders and commitments for a total of 674 jet engines with a combined value of $8.6bn.

Speaking about the day’s closing figures, Chief Executive for airshow organisers, Farnborough International Ltd, Shaun Ormrod said, “These figures are extremely encouraging and reflect the upbeat mood and return to economic growth we have been anticipating.”

FIL also confirmed a very different look to the show this year with many exhibitors increasing their presence. While exhibitors numbers have remained consistent, there has been a significant increase in international participation (up 15%) with over 100 exhibitors new the show.

See also: HD Videos from the Singapore Airshow 2010, HD Videos from Asian Aerospace 2011, HD Videos from Singapore Airshow 2012, HD Videos from Farnborough 2012 and HD Videos from Singapore Airshow 2014