Farnborough 2024

By Thomas Hilditch

The Farnborough International Airshow is a biannual event alternating with the Paris Air Show each year. This famous event started in 1948 with Farnborough site chosen because of its place in British aviation history – in 1908 the first sustained, heavier-than-air, powered and controlled sustained flight in the United Kingdom (their version of our Kitty Hawk, NC). The show was initially intended to display and promote the diverse facets of British aviation manufacturing. Many highlights include the world’s first commercial jet airliner and the debut of Concorde.

The show has evolved to exhibit information on advances in six key industry themes: Defense, Future Flight, Space, Sustainability, and Innovation. It was live-streamed to the world and attended by more than 100,000 visitors from 60 countries. Ninety civil and military aircraft were on display – some static and some flying. Boeing and Airbus announced commercial orders totaling $1.9 billion from Qatar Airways, Japan Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and Flydubai. 

I was able to attend this year’s show and can offer some insight to others who may want to attend this event in the future. Keep in mind these comments are made through the eyes of an aviation enthusiast/photographer and not a practitioner in the aerospace industry. Only one day of the event is open to the public with the other four days reserved for those employed in the industry. Obtain a list of the exhibitors from the show’s website and contact them to see if they can provide you with a pass. It is necessary to register with www.farnboroughairshow.com if you intend to get a ticket for the public admittance day. The website posts useful information before the show (including a list of exhibitors) and suddenly provides a link to purchase your ticket – they are limited and sell out fast.

Despite limited public participation, there are plenty of photo opportunities exploring the surrounding airfield and plenty of time to speak with other wandering enthusiasts from the excluded public. The website publishes each day’s aircraft and flight times. Photo opportunities of these flight demonstrations abound. The controlled airspace is wide around the airfield allowing good perimeter observations. Flights are generally in the afternoon after 1:00 pm. 

The best place to position yourself is on the outdoor balcony of the multi-story Aviator Hotel immediately adjacent to the airfield. Hotel management allows non-guests to take a seat as long as you continue to purchase drinks. It’s helpful to dress professionally and become friendly with your server – sometimes they will give you a break and won’t make you continue ordering drinks and become inebriated. An alternative good observation point is to skulk around the hotel parking lot.

Planning is crucial if you intend to undertake a pilgrimage to the show. Suitable lodging can be difficult to find – “suitable” meaning a fair price at a close location. There are many surrounding hotels but transportation to and from the event is difficult and chaotic. Something within walking distance is best. Closer to the show date rooms get filled up and prices increase dramatically. I booked a room one year in advance at the Bed & Breakfast Colebrook Guest House (www.colebrookbandb.co.uk). This was about a five-minute walk to the airfield.

Next year will be the Paris Air Show, June 16-22, 2025. We will be back at Farnborough July 20-24, 2026, so you’ll have to wait until 2026 if you plan to attend this UK show. My insight will hopefully still be valid.

All photos courtesy of the author.