$51 billion worth of deals on day one; A321XLR at show

Despite the crisis at Boeing, which was seen as trying to avoid a prominent appearance at the show by continuing a recent trend of avoiding passenger aircraft, it occupied a large pavilion and received an early boost with several orders. Korean Air signed up for 40 wide-body jets from the American planemaker, while Japan Airlines placed a firm order for 10 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 more.

Vietnam’s budget airline VietJet on Monday ordered 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft.

Meanwhile, Airbus captured the attention of thousands of trade delegates with an early afternoon display of the soon-to-be-launched A321XLR, set to be the world’s longest-range single-aisle aircraft.

The aircraft received European certification on Friday and is eagerly awaited by several airlines including Irish airline Aer Lingus and Spain’s Iberia, for its ability to cover long routes previously served only by wide-body aircraft, while reducing fuel costs.

The first A321XLR deliveries are expected in the third quarter, almost a year later than initially scheduled, highlighting one of the major issues still plaguing the aviation industry – ongoing delivery delays and supply chain disruptions.

In recent years, the Farnborough show – which is held every two years alongside the Paris Air Show – has strengthened its role as a deal-making and industry showcase, with fewer aircraft displays and interactive exhibits. In 2019, it announced it would drop the weekend portion of the event, which is open to the general public.

A slew of startups working on electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles, hydrogen-powered aircraft and other next-generation projects were prominent at the event. Boom Supersonic, which is working to bring back supersonic air travel, is set to announce its project on Tuesday.

China’s Comac — seen as a potential future competitor to the likes of Airbus and Boeing — had a large, if low-key, display with small models of its C919 narrow-body, C929 wide-body and ARJ21 regional jets, including different cabin configurations.

The company said it had discussions at the event, but declined to comment on which airlines or markets it was targeting for the aircraft, which is currently only certified in China. Officials from several countries were seen at the company’s stand, though it was a quieter affair for Comac than at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year, when it made its first international display of the C919 and announced an order for the aircraft from China’s Tibet Airlines.

Military technology remains one of the biggest components at Farnborough, with aircraft including a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a Boeing F-15QA and a British Army Chinook roaring overhead throughout the afternoon.

Farnborough managed to attract the new British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to give an opening speech, with attention focused mainly on his comments about the importance of the joint UK-Japan-Italy fighter jet project.

The incoming Labour government led by Starmer has announced a review of the Global Combat Air Programme, established under former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in 2023, leading to speculation that the UK may abandon the initiative.

Deal-making and discussions will continue throughout the rest of the five-day event, which concludes on Friday.