The Farnborough International Airshow 2024, held from July 22 to 26 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre in the UK, was one of the most influential events in recent aerospace history. This year’s airshow broke records, with over 100,000 attendees and 1,500 exhibitors from more than 60 countries, along with a 57% increase in delegations compared to previous years. Significant commercial deals exceeding $105 billion were reported, highlighting the event’s substantial economic impact on the industry.
Airbus
At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Airbus showcased significant advancements in its commercial, cargo, and sustainable aviation efforts. Key highlights included the A321XLR in the air display, demonstrating extended range capabilities.
Airbus Military
At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Airbus Military highlighted several defense and military advancements alongside its broader showcase of sustainable and commercial aerospace technologies. Key exhibits included Airbus’s multi-role A400M military transport aircraft, which has been gaining traction as a versatile asset capable of tactical airlift, medical evacuation, and aerial refueling. Additionally, the C295 tactical airlifter, known for its capabilities in high-altitude and unpaved landing strip operations, was prominently featured.
Airbus Helicopters also attracted attention with its H160M model, designed for both military and civilian applications, showcasing Airbus’s response to modern multi-role demands within NATO and global military markets. The VSR700, Airbus’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), underscored the company’s innovations in autonomous systems, suitable for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. Airbus’s military segment emphasized sustainability, reflecting the company’s long-term goals for reduced emissions and efficiency improvements across its fleet.
Boeing
The only civil aircraft of Boeing at the Farnborough Airshow was the 787-10 Dreamliner of Qatar Airways.
Boeing’s defense sector took center stage as well, with a dynamic aerial display by the F-15QA and static displays of aircraft like the F-15EX, AH-64E Apache, and CH-47F Chinook. For the first time, Wisk Aero, Boeing’s subsidiary, presented its sixth-generation autonomous electric air taxi, emphasizing Boeing’s interest in advancing urban air mobility.
Embraer
Embraer showcased both new advancements in its commercial and defense aircraft portfolios and its strategic entry into the freighter market. One of the key highlights was the debut of the E190F, a converted freighter from its popular E190 passenger aircraft. This model, tailored to the growing demands of e-commerce and decentralized supply chains, aims to provide a nimble, efficient option for regional cargo transport. The E190F has been optimized for faster, more flexible deliveries, especially suited for regional and time-sensitive logistics operations.
In the defense segment, Embraer showcased its C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft, designed for versatility in a range of missions, including cargo transport, medical evacuation, and firefighting, as well as the A-29 Super Tucano, which is known for its effectiveness in light attack and reconnaissance operations. This diverse showcase underlined Embraer’s focus on innovation and its commitment to sustainability through ongoing developments in electric and hybrid-electric aircraft under its Energia family concept.
Leonardo
At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Leonardo showcased a significant presence, highlighting its advanced technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace domains. One of the key announcements was the launch of the upgraded M-346 aircraft, which includes a new Block 20 upgrade for both its trainer (M-346 T) and light attack versions (M-346 F). The upgrade incorporates enhanced avionics, a large area display (LAD) cockpit, and cutting-edge human-machine interface features like augmented reality displays. This reflects the need for modernizing training tools to meet the demands of the evolving battlefield
Lockheed Martin
At the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, Lockheed Martin unveiled a range of exciting developments. One of the key highlights was the advancement of the Sniper® Networked Targeting Pod, which has been upgraded to enable interoperability between 5th and 4th generation jets, including the F-35 and F-16. This targeting pod will enhance the coordination between aircraft and ground-based systems, crucial for NATO defense forces. This innovation aims to provide real-time, seamless data-sharing capabilities, improving the effectiveness of military operations, especially in complex, joint missions.
Lockheed Martin celebrated a major milestone at the show, marking the achievement of three million flight hours for the C-130J Super Hercules fleet.
Raytheon
Bell Helicopters
At the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, Bell showcased a range of its helicopters like the Bell 505, Bell 407GXI and Bell 429, highlighting the company’s leadership in vertical lift and rotary-wing flight. The Bell 505 and Bell 429 will spotlight their versatility in commercial, training, and public safety missions, offering attendees a chance to explore these highly regarded platforms used globally for law enforcement, emergency medical services, and corporate travel.
eVTOL – electric Vertical TakeOff and Landing
This year’s show marks a significant increase in participation from eVTOL manufacturers, highlighting the industry’s growing momentum.
Wisk Aero
At the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, Wisk Aero, a key player in the electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) space, had a significant presence. The company showcased its autonomous, all-electric air taxi, a key component of its vision for future urban air mobility. These air taxis are part of a growing movement towards sustainable transportation, aiming to reduce congestion and provide more efficient city travel. The vehicle on display represents a step closer to a commercially viable air taxi service, with prototypes expected to launch soon. Wisk’s air taxi could be part of the transportation landscape as soon as the mid-2020s.
