Though a year away, the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2020 “is shaping up to be our biggest and most dynamic yet,” said Farnborough International chief commercial partnerships officer Amanda Stainer. More than 90 percent of exhibition space has been sold or committed, she added.

Among the sectors driving demand, “We’ve seen major growth among defense exhibitors,” Stainer said. International attendance is likely to break records, as well. New country pavilions already include India, Australia, and Mexico, with the total expected to exceed 30. Overall, “Around half of the world’s countries will be at Farnborough,” she noted.

Another trend reported by FIA organizers: demand from companies for bespoke, stand-alone areas. Sales of chalets remain strong, fed by an increased desire of first-time exhibitors to boost their profiles at the show.

FIA 2020 (Hall 2B, Stand F156)will also have the biggest space exhibition in its history, including China’s largest presence at the show to date. With global air cargo operations on the increase, the show will also feature air “freighters on the ground, in the sky, and being loaded.”

At the Innovation Hub, a new Urban Air Zone will host the fast-growing field’s innovators, while leaders of the fourth industrial revolution and digital technologies will be exhibiting at Aerospace 4.0. The hub will also include displays of joint ventures between major companies, cutting-edge tech companies, and universities.

On static, Orbis, official charity partner for FIA (July 20 to 26, 2020), will display its world-renowned Flying Eye Hospital, joined by a throng of military, civilian, business and general aviation aircraft types, in addition to technology demonstrators.