Compiled by Kate Sarsfield/LONDON
WITH THE AEROSPACE calendar awash with air shows, Farnborough '96 show organiser The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) is keen to promote its biennial show as a unique and essential event for any international exhibitor. According to the SBAC, Farnborough International "-is the most international air show in the world, with an unmatched range and quality of trade customers. It is the only show run by the aerospace industry for the aerospace industry."
BIGGER AND BETTER SHOW
The doors will open on 2 September with the promise of a bigger and better show than ever before. "We have invested a great deal in improving the overall structure and facilities at the show," says the SBAC's head of public and relations and marketing, Helene Cox. She adds: "In practical terms, the whole show will look and feel different." Farnborough '96 boasts a slight improvement in the number of exhibitors (to more than 660) and, overall, the exhibition will be 10% larger than the 1994 show. Cox says that, while improving the arrangements for the exhibitor is of paramount importance, the SBAC is also keen to boost the number of visitors to the show.
The 1994 show boasted a combined total of 230,000 trade and public visitors over seven days. "This year, children aged 15 and under will be admitted to the show free of charge [if accompanied by an adult]. We have to encourage young people to enter the aviation industry: they are, after all, the next generation of aerospace professionals," according to the SBAC.
Several aircraft are being given their Farnborough debuts. The commercial line-up includes the Boeing 777-200, the Embraer EMB-145 twin-turbofan regional aircraft; the Grob G250 trainer and the Bell 407 seven-seat, twin-turboshaft helicopter. Business-jet debutantes are the Gulfstream GV and Israel Aircraft Industries Astra Jet SPX. The military-aircraft line-up includes the Eurofighter EF2000 (which is also included in the flying display), the Raytheon Beech Mk2 primary trainer and the Lockheed Martin C-130J transporter.
The Flight International Show Special edition (27 August-2 September) will include a full aircraft and guilde to exhibitors. The issue will also focus on the main talking points of the show.
Source: Flight International
