UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson opened the Farnborough International Airshow on Monday 18 July, marking the start of a milestone week for both the UK and the global aerospace, aviation, defence, and space industries. Farnborough International Airshow is the first major European airshow to take place since 2019 and is the biggest airshow of 2022.
On Monday, aside from numerous orders being placed across the show, UK business secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, announced a £273 million package for aerospace technology, which will advance low-carbon innovation, secure economic growth, and support hundred and thousands of high skill, value and wage jobs across the UK.
A key part of this year’s airshow is the drive towards net-zero aviation and decarbonising the industry, with key discussions taking place between global business leaders and Government. Tuesday saw transport secretary Grant Shapps launch the Government’s Jet Zero Strategy, which sets out the direction of travel for the decarbonisation of aviation in the UK and will accelerate progress to net zero by 2050. Additionally, the newly launched Aerospace Growth Strategy sets out how the UK can lead the world in sustainable technology development and seize the opportunities for net-zero aviation.
Other major company announcements include multiple order and commitment announcements from Airbus and Boeing, EasyJet and Rolls-Royce partnering to pioneer the development of hydrogen combustion engine technology. Hellios launched its new SME Portal, a free gateway to help SMEs enter the defence, aerospace and security sectors in collaboration with JOSCAR.
It was a privilege to welcome the Prime Minister to open the airshow, and it is wonderful to see our industry’s leaders gathering together in Farnborough, doing business, showcasing new and innovative technology and capabilities, as well as discussing the challenges the industries face.
We’ve welcomed announcements that outline how the future of aerospace, defence, security and space sectors will develop and look. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s fantastic to hear industry having a positive outlook and significant investment in UK expertise and technology.
The return of Farnborough International Airshow is a real confidence boost to industry and going forward, it’s vital our industries receive the support and investment they need to flourish and springboard the development of Global Britain.”
ADS is the UK trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 1,100 member businesses.
