Farnborough International Airshow 2028: Exhibiting Formats, Show Features and 2026 Results
Farnborough International Airshow 2028 takes place from 17 to 21 July 2028 in Hampshire. This guide covers exhibiting formats, show features, travel and the official FIA2026 results.
Farnborough International Airshow 2028 (FIA2028) takes place from 17 to 21 July 2028 in Farnborough, Hampshire, United Kingdom (UK). Farnborough International Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS Group, organises the show, according to the official airshow website. The last edition, FIA2026, ran from 20 to 24 July 2026 and welcomed 141,580 trade and public visitors.
Farnborough International Airshow 2028 key facts
| Item | FIA2028 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Monday 17 to Friday 21 July 2028 |
| Venue | Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, Farnborough, Hampshire, UK |
| Location | Northeast Hampshire, 50 km southwest of London |
| Organiser | Farnborough International Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of ADS Group |
| Frequency | Every two years; the airshow has been held at Farnborough since 1948 |
| Pillars | Advancing Aerospace, Propelling Defence and Pioneering Space |
| Public day | Pioneers of Tomorrow, on the last day of the show |
| Official news partner | Aerospace Global News |
| Last edition | FIA2026, 20 to 24 July 2026: 141,580 visitors and 1,636 exhibitors |
| Official website | farnboroughairshow.com |
For other events, see our defence, aerospace and tech show calendar.
FIA2026 results in numbers
Farnborough International Airshow 2026 ran from 20 to 24 July 2026. The organiser's closing release says the show "convened the world of aerospace, defence and space to shape the future of flight". The figures below come from that release and from the FIA2028 Sales Brochure linked on the official site.
| Measure | FIA2026, per the organiser |
|---|---|
| Trade and public visitors | 141,580, up 41% show on show and "nearly double 2022's attendance" |
| Exhibitors | 1,636 from 40 countries, up 15% |
| Delegations | 567 from 83 countries, up 44% |
| Country pavilions | 28, up 17% |
| Accredited media | 1,803, up 5% |
| Commercial deals | Worth over $84.7 billion |
| Firm commercial aircraft orders | 353 |
| Firm engine orders | 904 |
For comparison, the official FAQ gives 1,716 accredited media for the 2024 edition, 65% of them from the UK.
Companies and aircraft the organiser highlighted at FIA2026
According to the closing release, Boeing, Airbus, Embraer, LEAP and Pratt & Whitney "led the commercial announcements" at FIA2026. BAE Systems, MBDA and Anduril Industries "unveiled new defence technologies", the release adds.
Vertical Aerospace completed "the first public electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) flight at Farnborough International Airshow". Its aircraft switched from helicopter mode to aeroplane mode and back again. Fursan Al Emarat, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Air Display Team, made its Farnborough debut with a seven-jet display.
New features at FIA2026 included the Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, the Defence SME Zone and The Enterprise Gateway. On Friday 24 July 2026, Pioneers of Tomorrow welcomed "thousands of members of the public", says the organiser.
Who organises Farnborough International Airshow
Farnborough International Ltd organises the airshow. The organiser describes Farnborough International as "a wholly owned subsidiary company of ADS Group". ADS Group is "the UK trade organisation representing the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors". Farnborough International calls itself an airshow organiser and "a year-round events and venue operator".
"Farnborough has hosted its world famous Airshow since 1948," says the organiser. Its history blog records the decision "to hold the show biennially after 1964". The same series notes that the 2020 airshow was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The permanent Hall 1 building, with a 20,000 square metre footprint, served as a trade hall in July 2018, says the history blog. The organiser's FIA2024 closing release described a 500,000 square metre site. The organiser also notes that the first UK powered flight took off from the airfield in 1908.
Exhibition halls, Space Only stands and international pavilions at FIA2028
The organiser calls the indoor exhibition "the focal point of Farnborough International Airshow". Its halls are "linked together to maximise footfall and clearly signed", says the Exhibition Space page. Sizes below are in square metres (sqm).
| Indoor format | FIA2028 size and use, per the organiser |
|---|---|
| Space Only | From 48 sqm; for a bespoke stand designed and built "using a dedicated contractor" |
| International Pavilions | A stand within a country pavilion run by an approved in-country organiser |
The organiser says Space Only suits "National Pavilions and product showcases, or those offering on-stand hospitality or meeting spaces". The FIA2028 Sales Brochure calls a space only stand "a blank canvas". Exhibitors register their official contractor through E-Net, the organiser's online portal for exhibitors, contractors and suppliers, according to the FIA2026 FAQ.
FIA2026 hosted 28 country pavilions, up 17%, says the brochure. Pavilion organisers can offer "hospitality functions, meeting rooms, networking events and assistance with access to delegations", according to the International Pavilions page. The 2026 list of official pavilion organisers included trade agencies, ministries, industry associations and companies. See also our national pavilion organiser guide.
Outdoor space, chalets and aircraft display at FIA2028
Beyond the halls, the organiser offers these FIA2028 formats:
| Format | What the organiser describes |
|---|---|
| Outdoor exhibition space | From 15 sqm, for bespoke structures |
| Outdoor buildings | Standalone branded buildings with "excellent proximity to aircraft and other outdoor activations" |
| Display space | For products "too large for the exhibition halls", such as aircraft, vehicles, equipment and machinery |
| Business chalets | Private hospitality with "direct access to the exhibition and flying display" |
Chalets sit "in tiered rows directly opposite the flight path", according to the Chalets page. The static aircraft display runs "in parallel to the exhibition", and aircraft exhibitors can arrange customer demonstration flights on trade days. These flights cannot take place during the flying display.
FIA2028 show features and zones
The FIA2028 Sales Brochure lists these key show features:
| Feature | FIA2028 description, per the brochure |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Global News Theatres | "the main content pillar of the show", covering topics from technology to the future workforce |
| Space Zone & Theatre | In Hall 4, with "a dedicated theatre" for discussions on the future of space |
| SME Zone | For businesses "with a turnover under £10m", connecting them "with buyers, partners and investors" |
| Aircraft Display | Commercial and military aircraft, flying and on static display |
| Pioneers of Tomorrow | A science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) day on the last day of the show |
The daily flying display takes place in the afternoon, "leaving the morning and lunch period free for business activity", says the organiser.
At FIA2026, Aerospace Global News sessions ran across two theatres in Hall 3 and Hall 4. The 2026 Space Zone Theatre covered topics such as "International Space Station retirement and what's next", "Earth observation" and "UK launch capability". The organiser announced a 2026 heads of agency panel with the UK Space Agency, the European Space Agency and the Turkish Space Agency. Babcock International sponsored the Defence SME Zone at FIA2026.
Delegations Programme and networking at FIA2028
The Delegations Programme "welcomes commercial and military delegations from across the globe", says the organiser. It is "Included as part of exhibiting at FIA", for companies large or small. FIA2026 drew 567 delegations from 83 countries, including commercial, military and space delegations. For FIA2028, the brochure lists commercial, military, UK Defence and investor delegations.
| Networking feature | FIA2028 purpose, per the brochure |
|---|---|
| UK Government Hub | Government departments and agencies offering "holistic consultancy for UK businesses" |
| Business Connections Exchange | "a structured speed-networking programme, connecting buyers with suppliers and investors" |
| SME Finance & Investment Programme | A platform for SMEs to "accelerate sustainable growth" |
| CEO & Welcome Receptions | A gathering of "global leaders, senior government representatives and distinguished guests" |
Exhibitors get priority access to the Business Connections Exchange (BCE). They can also obtain tickets to the Welcome Reception, which is "not open to trade visitors". In 2026, the UK Government Hub brought together 11 bodies, including the Department for Business and Trade, UK Export Finance and the Met Office. The brochure's key job titles include government officials, procurement and finance staff, and navy, air force and army personnel.
FIA2028 pillars, themes and the Aerospace Global Forum
The organiser names three core pillars for FIA2028: "Advancing Aerospace, Propelling Defence, and Pioneering Space". Six themes "will return to FIA2028": Global Security, Advanced Technology & AI (artificial intelligence), Supply Chain, Sustainability, Finance and Future Workforce. The brochure adds that FIA2028 features link the core industry with "adjacent sectors including AI, technology, finance, consulting and other business services".
The organiser's Aerospace Global Forum page lists four summits:
| Summit | What the organiser says |
|---|---|
| Finance Summit | New for 2026; linked "the worlds of finance and investment with the aerospace and defence ecosystem" |
| Airline Leaders Summit | Invite-only; first launched at Farnborough International Airshow 2018 |
| Defence Summit | Sessions from 20 to 22 July 2026 on "the agility, interoperability, and partnerships shaping modern defence operations" |
| Technology Summit | Chief technology officers from "the world's major aviation manufacturers"; 2026 sessions on 20, 22 and 23 July |
Ahead of FIA2026, the organiser said more than 600 investors from around 350 companies had been identified for the Finance Summit.
Trade days and the Pioneers of Tomorrow public day
The official FAQ sets out the FIA2026 visitor arrangements below. At FIA2026, the airshow was a trade event from Monday to Friday. Monday to Thursday content was "entirely business focussed", says the FAQ. People under 16 were not admitted from Monday 20 to Thursday 23 July 2026, even with a pass.
| Day at FIA2026 | Opening hours | Flying display |
|---|---|---|
| Monday 20 July | 10:00 to 16:00 | 13:30 to 16:00 |
| Tuesday 21 to Thursday 23 July | 09:00 to 17:30 | 14:15 to 16:45 |
| Friday 24 July, Pioneers of Tomorrow | 09:00 to 17:30 | 12:30 to 16:00 |
FIA2026 visitor passes could only be bought online in advance. The organiser asked visitors to bring photo ID and said security procedures were "similar to those you may experience at an airport". Visitors needing a visa could download a supporting letter after buying a ticket.
The brochure says Pioneers of Tomorrow is "designed to address the industry's workforce gaps". Its 2026 features included a Careers Hub, STEM activities, family entertainment and the flying display. Exhibitors can take part as Champions of Tomorrow, for example by running an activity on their stand.
Getting to Farnborough International Airshow
The airshow is "located south-west of London and is served by strong national and international travel links", says the organiser. These were the FIA2026 arrangements:
| Mode | FIA2026 arrangement, per the organiser |
|---|---|
| Train | "as little as 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo" to Farnborough Main, the recommended station |
| Shuttle bus | Free buses to Gate B from Farnborough Main, North Camp and Aldershot stations, 07:00 to 19:00 |
| Car | M3 to Junction 4 or 4a; free parking at Queens Parade, Aldershot, with shuttle buses to the show |
| Taxi | Only approved local taxis could use the rank near Gate A; pre-booked taxis used the Queens Parade zone |
| Air | Heathrow "only 30 minutes away" and Gatwick "only 50 minutes by car"; Farnborough Airport is next to the venue |
The venue page lists "over 2,500 hotel bedrooms within a 10-mile radius". In 2026, free Wi-Fi covered the exhibition halls only. The FIA2026 FAQ also listed a multi-faith prayer room in Hall 1 and at least one outlet selling halal meat. Build and breakdown vehicles used Gate I only in 2026.
Farnborough International Airshow 2028 stands by Orchestra Media
Orchestra Media delivers exhibition services for European defence and technology shows, including DSEI, Farnborough, Eurosatory and ILA Berlin. We coordinate them from our UAE headquarters, with local execution teams.
We start with one question: what must this show make possible for your business? Your objectives then guide the decisions.
Aerospace is one of our specialist sectors, where stands have to show aircraft and engineering while hosting VIP guests.
At FIA2028, the organiser's Space Only packages, from 48 sqm, are for exhibitors who design and build a bespoke stand with a dedicated contractor. At EBACE in Geneva, our team delivered a 216 sqm stand for a Middle East defence and aerospace brand.
Our services cover stand design and build, multimedia, logistics and hospitality.
We know the show. We build your advantage.
Exhibiting at Farnborough International Airshow 2028? Book a consultation with our team.
How we compiled this guide
We compiled this guide from official sources only. These are the Farnborough International Airshow website, its press releases and the FIA2028 Sales Brochure linked from the site. We checked every source on 28 October 2026. Details can change, so check the official website before you plan your visit.
Sources
- Farnborough International Airshow, home page (FIA2028 countdown, tagline, Farnborough International Ltd): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/
- About (year-round events and venue operator): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/about/
- ADS Group (ownership of Farnborough International): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/about/our-brands/ads-group/
- Exhibit at FIA2028 (link to the sales brochure): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit-at-fia2028/
- FIA2028 Sales Brochure (2026 figures, 2028 features, formats, meeting rooms, delegations): https://content.yudu.com/web/47bh1/FIA2026-post-show/FIA2028-sales/html/index.html?origin=reader
- Exhibition Space (indoor and outdoor formats and sizes): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit/exhibiting-options/exhibition-space/
- Chalets (location, turnkey sizes): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit/exhibiting-options/chalets/
- International Pavilions (pavilion services, 2026 organisers): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit/exhibiting-options/international-pavilions/
- Display Your Aircraft (static display, flying display, demonstration flights): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit/display-your-aircraft/
- Exhibitor Benefits (BCE priority, Welcome Reception): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/exhibit/exhibitor-benefits/
- Delegations Programme (FIA2026 delegation figures): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/leading-networking/delegations-programme/
- UK Government Hub (2026 bodies): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/leading-networking/uk-government-hub/
- Show Themes (FIA2028 pillars and themes): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/themes/
- Space Zone (2026 theatre topics): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/leading-show-features/space-zone/
- Defence SME Zone (2026 debut, sponsor): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/leading-show-features/defence-sme-zone/
- Aerospace Global News Theatre (2026 theatres in Hall 3 and Hall 4): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/leading-show-features/aerospace-global-news-theatre/
- Aerospace Global Forum (the four summits): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/
- Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/finance-summit/
- Aerospace Global Forum: Airline Leaders Summit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/airline-leaders-summit/
- Aerospace Global Forum: Defence Summit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/defence-summit/
- Aerospace Global Forum: Technology Summit: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/the-show/aerospace-global-forum/technology-summit/
- Visit (frequency, FIA2028 visit): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/
- Our Venue (venue, hotel bedrooms): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/our-venue/
- FAQs (FIA2026 dates, hours, entry rules, travel, on-site facilities, 2024 media): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/faqs/
- Getting Here (FIA2026 travel, Gate I): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/getting-here/
- Destination Farnborough (location, since 1948, 1908 flight): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/destination-farnborough/
- Media (official news partner for FIA2028): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/visit/media/
- Pioneers of Tomorrow (2026 key features): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/pioneers-of-tomorrow/
- Pioneers of Tomorrow key features: https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/pioneers-of-tomorrow/key-features/
- Become a Champion of Tomorrow (exhibitor involvement): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/pioneers-of-tomorrow/get-involved-2028/
- Closing release, 30 July 2026 (FIA2026 visitors, deals, orders, highlights, 2028 dates): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/farnborough-international-airshow-2026-delivers-a-landmark-week-for-global-aerospace/
- New features release, 22 January 2026 (Defence SME Zone, The Enterprise Gateway): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/farnborough-international-airshow-2026-unveils-new-features-as-trade-tickets-launch/
- Finance Summit release, 14 July 2026 (investor figures): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/over-600-global-finance-leaders-to-convene-at-farnborough-international-airshow/
- Space Zone Theatre release, 17 July 2026 (space agency panel): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/farnborough-international-airshow-to-welcome-global-space-agency-leaders-to-space-zone-theatre/
- FIA2024 closing release, 1 August 2024 (site size): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/farnborough-international-airshow-2024-delivered-the-apex-of-aviation/
- FIA75 Part 1 history blog (biennial after 1964): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/fia75-part-1-the-emergence-of-farnborough-1948-1972/
- FIA75 Part 3 history blog (Hall 1 in 2018, 2020 cancellation, Fursan Al Emarat spelling): https://www.farnboroughairshow.com/resources/news-blogs/blog-list/fia75-part-3-pioneering-the-future-1998-2026/
- Orchestra Media, Global presence (Europe show line): https://orchestra.media/global-presence
- Orchestra Media, Success stories (Falcon at EBACE): https://orchestra.media/success-stories
- Orchestra Media, Booth design and construction: https://orchestra.media/services/booth-design-construction
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