This summer, Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) cemented its position as the epicentre of the aerospace industry, evident from the numerous trends driven by the discussions and announcements that occurred at the show.

The Airshow saw $105.8bn in commercial aircraft and engine orders announced, worth £13bn to the UK economy. Read full post-show report.

Our exhibitors continue to use the opportunities the show provides to drive change within the industry, showcase technological advances, and enable key business relationships. Here are the top five trends we’ve observed since FIA2024 took place.

Defence and International Collaboration

With the geopolitical landscape constantly evolving, the defence sector has had to pioneer new approaches in tackling security challenges. FIA2024 continued to demonstrate the convening power of ADS and Farnborough International, bringing together over 700 defence-focused companies and nearly 400 delegations. FIA’s Delegation Programme continues to play an important role in fostering international defence collaboration, and being situated in Hall 3 for FIA2024 alongside the new UK Government Hub helped foster even greater networking opportunities.

Defence was placed in the spotlight throughout the show, especially at the AGF Defence Forum, which was opened with an address from Air Marshall Paul Lloyd, Deputy Chief of the Air Staff. Throughout the forum, the theme of greater international collaboration was expressed consistently, including at a session dedicated to AUKUS. Another key trend that became clear from this year’s show is addressing the disputed territory of space, a huge challenge for the industry that will continue to play a part in discussions in years to come.

The Future is Space

Space remains one of the most popular themes at FIA, with nearly 500 exhibitors in 2024 listing space as a key business focus. Many trends emerged from the Space Zone and wider show, signifying the trajectory of where the industry is heading in the near future. Bringing together space agencies from around the world, including the UK Space Agency, European Space Agency, and Agenzia Spaziale Italiana, alongside industry leaders such as Airbus, Lockheed Martin and Viasat, Farnborough demonstrated once more that it is the place to be to hear crucial industry updates and expand your network within the sector.

Exhibitors benefit from unique networking opportunities to connect with senior commercial and military figures via the Delegations Programme and gain priority access to the Business Connections Exchange, enhancing their visibility and reach. In addition, exclusive sponsorship and advertising options offer invaluable ways to maximise brand exposure within the vibrant Space Zone.

The growth and popularity of the Space Zone at FIA is a hallmark of the direction the industry is headed, providing potential exhibitors an exceptional opportunity to reach truly international audiences. In the Space Zone Theatre, sessions covered the entire space ecosystem; upstream, midstream and downstream. Common themes throughout centred on the growth of space-based manufacturing, space security and defence, earth observation, and the progression of lunar and Martian exploration missions, paving the way for further advancement in 2025. Read more about 2025 Trends: https://farnboroughspaceshow.com/7-space-industry-trends-2025/

Space continues to be a growing venture for Farnborough International, with the launch of the new Farnborough International Space Show, taking place 19-20 March 2025, added to the portfolio of award-winning aerospace events. Exhibitors looking to be a part of this future-focused event should take advantage of Account Management services, designed to tailor your FIA2026 experience to ensure you reach the audience that matters most to your business.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Emphasising the industry’s commitment to reach its Net Zero commitments, sustainability took centre stage at Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Hosted in Hall 1, which recently benefited from £1m investment in solar panel installations, the AGF Sustainability Forum featured expert-led panels and discussions on the industry’s decarbonisation solutions, SAF supply, CSR reporting, various regulation measures, and ways to finance the transition towards more sustainable aviation. These conversations highlighted FIA’s role as the global hub for important collaboration and commitment to meeting international climate goals.

Farnborough International Airshow provided an opportunity for brands to present their sustainability solutions at the show, ensuring they are recognised by visitors and fellow exhibitors as part of the drive towards a greener future. Exhibitors also had sponsored opportunities with Aerospace Global News, allowing them to enhance visibility on sustainability issues through editorial and video interviews, as well as participation in the popular Aerospace Global News Theatre.

Looking ahead, the upcoming Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS) 2025 will continue these crucial discussions. Gathering government representatives, regulators, airlines, OEMs, investors, members of academia, and media from across the world, this event will act as a catalyst for addressing the industry’s sustainability concerns and driving actionable solutions. Exhibitors can further boost their presence at both SSWS25 and FIA2026 with sponsorship packages and advertising options, aligning their brand with the movement toward a sustainable future in aerospace.

AAM and the Future of Flight

The Advanced Air Mobility sector developments captured significant attention at FIA2024, with companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies and concepts that are already changing the immediate outlook of the future way of flight and transportation.

The Global Urban & Advanced Air Summit (GUAAS) served as a cornerstone of the conversations about the crucial steps and investments needed to bring advanced air mobility into reality. As key stakeholders and policymakers from across the globe gathered to share their views and expertise, it became clear that collaboration is key when it comes to realising the full potential of this innovative sector.

As we look forward to what’s next, FIA2026 promises to be an even more thrilling opportunity to explore and engage with the evolution of flight. Exhibitors interested in positioning their company at the forefront of this evolving sector can enjoy priority access to book meeting and conference rooms on-site, allowing for impactful private discussions. Plus, they can take advantage of dedicated account management to tailor their exhibiting package and maximise exposure at the show.

Pioneering the Future Workforce

FIA’s Pioneers of Tomorrow event highlighted the critical role of developing the workforce within the aerospace and defence industries. With record-breaking attendance on the Friday of the Airshow – up by 85% since 2022 – this year’s event attracted a brilliant pool of emerging talent eager to shape the future of the sector according to their needs and vision. The UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s announcement of a dedicated Skills Body further highlighted the need to address the industry’s workforce gaps and ensure positive succession planning.

FIA served as a platform for discussions around diversity and inclusion, with WiAAC hosting their forum and networking reception to highlight the importance of attracting a broader range of talent and how fostering diversity leads to unlocking new perspectives, ideas, and approaches.

Exhibitors participating in Pioneers of Tomorrow gain exclusive access to a motivated audience and enhance brand visibility through PR and marketing support to reach talent entering the aerospace world.

FIA2026 and Beyond

Farnborough International Airshow provides companies from across the globe an incredible opportunity to showcase their business like never before and take advantage of Farnborough’s convening power. Exhibitors can look forward to a wide range of perks, such as onsite parking and complimentary exhibitor passes, and gain priority media access to share news and announcements with global outlets attending the show.

To maximise your presence, explore the range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities or take advantage of Aerospace Global News coverage to highlight your participation and industry contributions. Speak to your dedicated Account Manager today to learn more about exhibiting at FIA2026 and secure your place at this unmissable event. Reach out to our team: [email protected].