Farnborough faces new threat

THE future of Farnborough, the iconic showcase of the UK aerospace industry, is in doubt as it emerged its organisers have ordered a value-for-money review of the biennial airshow.

The show could be moved from its present Hampshire location or put on to a three or four yearly cycle in an attempt to rescue its cachet.

In response to growing fears that major exhibitors at the show, especially American giants like Boeing or Lockheed Martin, could turn their backs on Farnborough in the growing belief that it is not worth the time or resources, the Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) which organises the event has ordered a 'strategic review'.

SBAC president Kevin Smith, chief executive of GKN, said: 'We are looking at reconfiguring the show. The shape and size of the show is an issue, as is the fact that it lasts a week, as well as the restrictions on flights.

'What we have to do is make it more affordable and to improve its cost effectiveness.'

The fear is Farnborough is losing status to the growing international air shows in the Far East and Middle East - growth markets for commercial aerospace - which are more likely to attract the Americans, and even to the Paris Air Show, which next year is to showcase the new megajumbo A380 being built by Airbus.

SBAC director-general Sally Howes indicated that the £20m Farnborough show in July this year made a profit of more than £1m attracting 130,000 people from the trade and 110,000 members of the paying public.