Farnborough air show will continue beyond the millennium, the organiser confidently predicted yesterday.
"We have no doubt that beyond 2000 we will have a commitment to produce our shows on this site," says Peter Taylor, director of exhibitions for SBAC (Society of British Aerospace Companies). "We have a commitment to protect the future of the air show. There is no other site suitable."
The British Government plans to sell the site but has guaranteed availability of the site for the 1998 and 2000 events while talks involving government ministries, local authorities and other interested parties continue.
With the long lead times exhibitors need in planning for shows, some have expressed concern that the future of the site has still not been resolved.
Guarantee
However, last week the Ministry of Defence was reported as saying that any buyer of the site must guarantee the future of the show.
Taylor says: "As far as I'm concerned, that statement means the Government recognises the importance of the aerospace business and the role that Farnborough plays in it."
He believes that Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine, who officially opens the show this morning, will confirm that government support.
The changes made to this year's Farnborough - from the new stands and chalets to beefed up communications and toilets - have created a "word class showcase for a world class industry", says Taylor.
"The new look has exceeded all expectations, in terms of the structures themselves and the reaction of exhibitors to them."
Source: Flight Daily News