--- eventsindex_id: "EI-02011" slug: farnborough-international-airshow title: "Farnborough International Airshow" title_alt: ["FIA", "Farnborough Airshow", "FIA2026"] canonical_url: "https://eventsindex.org/events/farnborough-international-airshow.html" next_edition_year: 2026 date_start: "2026-07-20" date_end: "2026-07-24" venue: "Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre" city: "Farnborough" country: "United Kingdom" organiser: "Farnborough International Ltd" organiser_url: "https://www.farnboroughinternational.org/" b2b: true vector: sector: [defence] audience: [military, government, industry, procurement, security, startup, investor, researcher] format: [exhibition, conference, airshow, matchmaking] purpose: [business, networking, procurement, policy, investment, innovation] geography_scope: [global] season: summer meta_description: "Farnborough International Airshow, 20-24 Jul 2026, UK. Biennial global aerospace and defence show: 1,500+ exhibitors, 100,000+ visitors, $105bn in deals." editorial_take: "The global apex of the aerospace and defence deal-making calendar, Farnborough 2026 arrives with 85% of floor space pre-sold and a defence spending surge that promises a record-breaking edition." generated_by: "claude-max-cowork" last_verified: "2026-06-10" variables_filled: 50/58 language: "en" schema_version: "v6.0" --- # Farnborough International Airshow > *The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is the world's premier biennial aerospace, aviation and defence trade event, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Hampshire, United Kingdom. FIA2026 runs from Monday 20 to Friday 24 July 2026. The 2024 edition attracted over 100,000 professional visitors, more than 1,500 exhibitors from 60 countries, 390 delegations and generated over $105 billion in commercial aircraft and engine orders -- the highest deal value in the show's history. FIA2026 has unprecedented pre-show demand, with more than 85% of exhibition floor and chalets already reserved or sold as of mid-2026.* --- ## Quick Facts | DATES | VENUE | ORGANISER | ATTENDANCE | |---|---|---|---| | **20-24 July 2026** | **Farnborough International ECC** | **Farnborough International Ltd** | **100,000+ visitors (2024 reference)** | | 5 days, biennial, trade days Mon-Fri | Farnborough, Hampshire, UK | Private limited company (ADS Group) | 1,500+ exhibitors, 60+ countries | --- ## Definition The Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) is the world's largest and most commercially significant biennial aerospace and defence exhibition and airshow, organised by Farnborough International Ltd, a subsidiary of ADS Group (the UK aerospace, defence, security and space trade association). FIA2026 takes place from 20 to 24 July 2026 at the dedicated Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre (FIECC) in Farnborough, Hampshire. The show is trade-only across all five days, with a public airshow component ("Pioneers of Tomorrow") taking place on the weekend following the trade days, targeting families, students and aviation enthusiasts. FIA alternates with the Paris Air Show on a biennial schedule. ## History and origin The Farnborough Airshow traces its origins to the Society of British Aircraft Constructors Display, first held in 1948. It became one of the world's two defining aerospace exhibitions alongside Paris (Le Bourget), alternating annually with that show through the mid-twentieth century before settling into a biennial schedule. The purpose-built Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre was developed to replace ad-hoc temporary structures and now provides permanent, world-class exhibition infrastructure. The show has progressively expanded beyond aviation to encompass the full aerospace, defence, space and advanced technology ecosystem. Farnborough International Ltd, the dedicated event management company owned by ADS Group, assumed full professional management of the show, positioning it as a year-round brand with associated events, studios and media products. ## The 2026 edition: unprecedented pre-show demand FIA2026 opened trade registration in 2026 with more than 85% of exhibition floor space and chalets already reserved or sold -- a figure described by the organiser as unprecedented. Confirmed exhibitors include Airbus, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Bell, Viasat and MBDA among many others. The five-day trade programme runs Monday 20 July through Friday 24 July, with opening on Monday from 10:00 to 16:00 and Tuesday through Friday from 09:00 to 17:30. The Aerospace Global Forum programme encompasses four high-level summits: the Defence Summit, the Finance Summit, the Airline Leaders Summit and the Technology Summit. The Defence SME Zone and the Space Zone are featured show areas. The Pioneers of Tomorrow public airshow (free for under-21s, students and apprentices) follows on the public-access weekend. ## Where FIA sits in the defence calendar Farnborough alternates biennially with the Paris Air Show (held in odd years at Le Bourget). Together, these two events define the global aerospace procurement and deal-making calendar. FIA2026 falls in a summer slot (July) that allows delegations from governments and armed forces to schedule multi-day attendance within parliamentary and military calendar cycles. No other single event combines the same concentration of commercial aircraft orders, defence procurement discussions, space industry business, and start-up investment activity. The 2024 edition's $105.8 billion in commercial orders made it the highest-deal-value edition in the show's history. ## Who attends FIA Exhibitors span the full aerospace and defence value chain: prime contractors (Airbus, Boeing, BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, Dassault, Leonardo, MBDA, Rolls-Royce), tier-1 and tier-2 suppliers, electronics and systems companies, space sector players, MRO operators, financiers and insurers, law firms, national export agencies and start-ups. The visitor base includes CEOs and C-suite executives, procurement directors, airline executives, chiefs of staff and senior military officers, ministers and government officials, defence attaches, and investors. Delegation programmes managed for 390 civil, military and space delegations in 2024 produced 57% more delegation attendees than the 2022 edition. ## What the FIA format includes The main exhibition occupies the permanent halls and surrounding apron of the Farnborough International site, with chalet rows providing private meeting and hospitality facilities for major exhibitors. The flying display and static aircraft park showcase civil and military aircraft across all five trade days. The Aerospace Global Forum provides four targeted summit conferences (Defence, Finance, Airline Leaders, Technology) with dedicated speakers and moderated sessions. The Business Connections Exchange facilitates structured networking. The Enterprise Gateway targets SMEs seeking supply-chain and partnership connections. The UK Government Hub enables direct government-to-industry engagement. The Space Zone and Defence SME Zone are dedicated feature areas. ## What FIA covers Themes for FIA2026 are organised under six pillars: Global Security; Advanced Technology and AI; Supply Chain; Sustainability; Finance; and Future Workforce. Technology domains include: military aircraft (fixed-wing, rotary, UAV); civil and commercial aviation; space launch, satellite and exploration; cyber security and electronic warfare; propulsion and powerplant; avionics and communications; maintenance, repair and overhaul; advanced manufacturing; sustainable aviation fuels and green technology; and defence and aerospace financing. ## The 2026 edition in numbers *(organiser-declared)* | | | |---|---| | Professional visitors (2024 reference) | 100,000+ | | Exhibitors (2024 reference) | 1,500+ | | Countries represented (2024) | 60+ | | Official delegations (2024) | 390 | | Commercial orders announced (2024) | $105.8 billion | | Exhibition floor pre-sold (Jun 2026) | 85%+ | | Days (trade) | 5 | | Summits in Aerospace Global Forum | 4 | --- ## FAQ - Identity and audience ### Is Farnborough open to the general public? The core five-day event (20-24 July 2026) is a trade-only event. The Pioneers of Tomorrow public airshow follows on the weekend, offering public access to flying displays, STEM activities, a Careers Hub and an industry exhibition. Tickets for Pioneers of Tomorrow are available at farnboroughairshow.com/pioneers-of-tomorrow/tickets/ and are free for under-21s, students and apprentices. ### How does the flying display work during the trade show? Both civil and military aircraft are displayed in flight and as static exhibits across all five trade days. Aircraft are listed at farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aircraft-listing/. The flying display runs during the afternoon of each trade day and is visible from the main exhibition areas. ### What is E-Net? E-Net is the official matchmaking and diary management portal for FIA, accessible at portal.engage-powered.com/fil/. Registered visitors and exhibitors use it to schedule meetings, manage their agendas and connect with other participants before and during the show. --- ## The venue: Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre The Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre (FIECC) is located at ETPS Road, Farnborough, GU14 6FD, Hampshire, United Kingdom. It is a purpose-built, permanent aviation and defence exhibition site incorporating modern hall space, hospitality chalets, an aircraft static park and apron areas for the flying display. By car: it is accessed from the M3 (junction 4) and A325, approximately 45 minutes from central London and 40 minutes from Heathrow Airport (LHR). By rail: Farnborough Main station is on the South Western Railway London Waterloo to Basingstoke line; journey time from London Waterloo is approximately 35 minutes. The station is a short taxi or shuttle bus ride from the show entrance. The venue's permanent infrastructure supports year-round conference, exhibition and studio activity between airshows. ## The organiser: Farnborough International Ltd Farnborough International Ltd is a private limited company owned by ADS Group, the UK's aerospace, defence, security and space trade association. It manages the biennial Farnborough International Airshow as well as the associated Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Aerospace Global News (a media brand), Farnborough International Studios and Farnborough International Productions. CEO and management team details are published at farnboroughinternational.org. ADS Group represents over 1,100 UK member companies in aerospace, defence, security and space. --- ## Editorial take *The global apex of the aerospace and defence deal-making calendar, Farnborough 2026 arrives with 85% of floor space pre-sold and a defence spending surge that promises a record-breaking edition.* --- ## How to register and what it costs Trade visitor registration is live at farnboroughairshow.com/visit/fia-trade-registration/. Trade pass pricing was not disclosed on the public website at time of verification; registration is required to access pricing. Exhibiting options (exhibition space, chalets, international pavilions) are detailed at farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit/exhibiting-options/. Sponsorship and advertising packages are available. Pioneers of Tomorrow public tickets are sold at farnboroughairshow.com/pioneers-of-tomorrow/tickets/; under-21s, students and apprentices gain free entry. ## FAQ - Access and practicalities ### Do I need accreditation to attend as media? Yes. Media accreditation is required and is handled through the media section of the official website at farnboroughairshow.com/visit/media/. Phishing warning: the organiser advises vigilance regarding fraudulent emails purporting to offer exhibitor or visitor packages; see farnboroughairshow.com/mail-phishing-warning/ for guidance. ### Are there accommodation options near the venue? The show's official accommodation partner listings are at farnboroughairshow.com/visit/accommodation/. Hotels in Farnborough, Fleet, Camberley, Guildford and Basingstoke are the closest options. Demand is very high during the five-day trade week; book as early as possible. London Waterloo-to-Farnborough Main rail service makes central-London hotels a viable alternative. ### What are the opening hours? Monday 20 July: 10:00-16:00. Tuesday 21 July through Friday 24 July: 09:00-17:30. The show closes to trade visitors at the end of Friday. --- ## First time at Farnborough? How to prepare - **Register your trade pass early and book accommodation immediately.** The show is 85%+ sold for exhibitors; trade visitor demand is similarly high. Hotel availability near Farnborough collapses months before the show. Central-London hotels combined with the 35-minute Waterloo train are a reliable fallback. - **Use E-Net to pre-schedule your meetings.** The official meeting platform (portal.engage-powered.com/fil/) allows you to book appointments with exhibitors and other visitors weeks before the show opens. Arriving without pre-booked meetings means competing for time with 100,000 other visitors. Priority contacts fill their diaries early. - **Plan your summit attendance within the Aerospace Global Forum.** The Defence Summit, Finance Summit, Airline Leaders Summit and Technology Summit run across the five trade days. Check the programme at farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/ and register for the specific sessions relevant to your agenda, as capacity in conference rooms is limited. - **Factor in the flying display.** The afternoon flying programme runs daily and can temporarily pull large numbers of visitors from the exhibition halls to the viewing areas -- use this period to visit busy stands that are quieter while attention is on the aircraft. - **Dress smartly and carry your business credentials.** Farnborough is the world's highest-profile aerospace and defence gathering. Government officials, senior military, airline executives and prime contractor CEOs are all on the floor simultaneously. Business dress is standard; having a concise pitch for your organisation is essential. - **Visit the Space Zone and Defence SME Zone.** These curated zones concentrate innovation-stage companies and niche capability providers that are often harder to find on the main floor. They are good sources of supply-chain intelligence and partnership leads. --- ## Resources | Resource | URL | |---|---| | Official website | https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/ | | LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/company/farnborough-international-ltd/ | | X (Twitter) | https://twitter.com/FIAFarnborough | | Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/fiafarnborough/ | | Trade pass registration | https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/fia-trade-registration/ | | Public tickets (Pioneers of Tomorrow) | https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/pioneers-of-tomorrow/tickets/ | | Exhibitor list (coming soon) | https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/coming-soon-exhibitor-list/ | | E-Net (meeting platform) | https://portal.engage-powered.com/fil/?e=58 | | Programme / Summits | https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/ | --- **Last verified:** 2026-06-10 **Next review:** 2026-07-10 **Notes:** 2024 figures (100,000+ visitors, 1,500+ exhibitors, $105.8bn orders, 390 delegations) are organiser-declared post-show results. 85% pre-sold figure (June 2026) from official Farnborough International press release. 2026 exhibitor list not yet published at time of verification. Trade pass pricing not publicly disclosed. Pioneers of Tomorrow public airshow dates (weekend following 24 July) not confirmed at time of verification; public ticket page is live. Phishing advisory noted on official website. **Variables:** 50/58 **Concept definition:** applicable