If you’re looking for a positive sign that international business is alive and well, the news from Farnborough International Ltd. (FIL), organizers of the Farnborough International Airshow, is a great place to start.
In an effort to repeat the record-breaking success of the 2008 show, which resulted in more than $88.7 billion in orders, FIL (Booth No. 3273) said it is continuing to look for ways to maximize the return on investment for the show’s nearly 1,400 exhibitors when the event is held July 19 to 25 next year.
Based on the success of previous Farnborough Airshows, the organizers are planning a variety of changes for 2010, including site improvements and an increase in the space allocated for the business aircraft park. This will provide exhibitors broader opportunities for static displays of aircraft and customer demonstration flights.
To further enhance the visitor experience, FIL will be “theme-ing” the event’s five days. Each day will focus on a topic and feature a series of conferences, seminars, tour programs, VIP visits and “Meet-Your-Buyer” workshops. Senior industry figures and government officials will be scheduled to speak at the conferences. The organizers expect the events will enable greater engagement with government ministers, as well as provide networking opportunities.
Bahrain Airshow on Tap
FIL and the Civil Aviation Affairs for the Kingdom of Bahrain (CAA) are co-organizers of the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS), scheduled January 21 to 23. BIAS is limited to 40 exhibitors and each company will take up residence in a five-star chalet for the three-day event.
According to the organizers, 25 percent of the chalet space has already been sold to a number of aviation companies, including Cessna Aircraft, Gulfstream Aerospace, Hawker Beechcraft, Prestige Jet, TAG Aeronautics, Aero Toy Store and Bexair.
Gulf Air, which is the flag carrier for the Kingdom of Bahrain, is the official air carrier for the airshow. The airline will be offering a 20-percent discount on flights to Bahrain for exhibitors, participants and visitors.
