Geoff Thomas, Mike Martin/DUBAI

Exhibitors at Dubai who are intending to be at Farnborough 2000 had better make sure that they have their booking confirmation in writing, as the show is already sold out. Major players in the rapidly-restructuring aerospace industry are targeting Farnborough as the place to present themselves to the world, David Marshall, director general of the Society of British Aerospace (SBAC), said yesterday at the show.

"The new companies see it as the platform for advertising their consolidation," he says. "EADS (the European Aeronautical Defence and Space company) has taken an awful lot of space for just that reason. BAe is doing the same."

Peter Taylor, director of exhibitions for SBAC, the show organisers, says: "The show has sold incredibly well and we now have a waiting list for both space and chalets. Indeed, the show could well be the biggest since 1988/1990 which were the two largest in recent memory."

For the first time, next year's Farnborough Airshow will be held in July (24 to 30) instead of the traditional September date. "We've gone for the move in response to requests from our exhibitors," says Taylor, "and now that the future of the airfield is secure, the first show of the new millennium is a good time to make the change.

"We should get better weather, there'll be more hours of daylight and it means that the major international shows are more evenly spaced."

The themes for Farnborough 2000 are Youth in UK Aerospace, Aerospace in the Community and - for the first time - Aerospace and the Environment.

"The world's engine makers have invested billions of dollars into solving the problem and there's not much more to be achieved there. We'll be working with the British airlines, airports and air traffic control so see if we can improve the current situation which results in 'stacks' of aircraft waiting for landing slots at peak times, particularly around the London area."

The SBAC's intention to link Farnborough 2000 with the Royal International Air Tattoo - a major military display also held in southern England in July - is dependent upon the organisers finding a suitable venue. RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire has been the Tattoo's home for many years but is undergoing a major refurbishment programme and it's far from certain that the show can be held there.

"However," says Taylor, "we're assuming that it will go ahead somewhere and we are looking at working together on things like VIP visits, air traffic control, visiting aircraft, ticket sales and public relations."

Source: Flight Daily News