HELEN MORRISSEY
Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, extolled the virtues of the British aerospace industry when he formally opened Farnborough 2002 yesterday.
After watching a flypast by the RAF's Red Arrows, Prince Andrew addressed an audience of exhibitors. He spoke of his great respect for the British aviation industry born out of his experience as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy.
"I take pride in the fact that I have used products manufactured by many of the companies here during my time in the armed forces," he said. "I believe that [Farnborough] shows the British aerospace industry at its very best."
Opening
Joining Prince Andrew were Theresa Jowett, Secretary of State, Department of Trade and Industry and Gordon Page, president of the SBAC.
International representatives attending the opening including Maj Gen Prince Feisal bin Al Hussein of Jordan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, commander in chief of the UAE armed forces.
Theresa Jowett also praised British aviation and spoke of the establishment of an aerospace growth and innovation team dedicated to the future of the British aerospace industry.
Source: Flight Daily News