The resurgence of global aviation appeared to be confirmed at Farnborough International '96, held from 2-8 September. According to show organiser the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC), the exhibition drew 280,000 visitors over the seven-day period (130,000 trade and 150,000 public), representing a 20% increase over the 1994 show. The rise can be attributed in part to the SBAC's decision to admit children under 16 to the show free of charge on the two public days. The number of exhibitors also rose, from 1,055 in 1994, to 1,164 in 1996. During the week, the SBAC claims, contracts worth $12 billion were secured. Moreover, the UK Government has confirmed that the show will continue indefinitely on the existing site, regardless of who becomes the new landlord in 2000. Confidence has obviously returned all round.
Source: Flight International