The organiser of the Farnborough International Airshow has confirmed trade orders and commitments at this year’s event were worth US$72bn (£46bn) and covered 758 aircraft.
 
The biennial event, which celebrated its 62nd year at the Farnborough airfield in Hampshire from 9 to 15 July, said the sales result represented a 53 per cent increase on 2010 and was close to its record 2008 show figure of US$88bn.
 
Organiser Farnborough International also said 20 per cent of exhibitors had already rebooked for its 2014 edition.  This year’s show attracted 107,000 trade visitors during the week and 1,450 exhibitors, along with about 100,000 consumers during its two-day public opening over the weekend.
 
“Our growth in exhibitor numbers and continued patronage from organisations such as EADS, Finmeccanica and Boeing keeps us at the top of the aerospace events calendar,” chief executive Shaun Ormrod said.
 
“It’s also rewarding to see recognition for our efforts in creating a more diverse event with Sir Richard Branson choosing the show to debut the Virgin Galactic and make a major announcement.”
 
Other highlights included static and flying displays featuring 140 aircraft, and a visit from six cabinet members as well as Prime Minister David Cameron. More than 70 military delegations from 46 countries attended along with 14 delegations from the civil sector.
 
In the lead-up to this year’s show, Farnborough International revealed a surge in sales figures and exhibitor numbers.
 
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