• £36.2 billion ($48.8 billion) of aircraft deals have been made on day one of Farnborough International Airshow
  • 234 firm aircraft orders have been made, equating to £5.2 billion in value to the UK economy
  • 446 firm engine orders have also been made throughout Day One

 

Farnborough (20 July 2026) – The opening day of Farnborough International Airshow generated more than £36.2 billion ($48.8 billion) in announced commercial aircraft deals, according to trade association ADS. In total, 234 firm aircraft orders have been placed, a 44% increase compared to day one of the previous Airshow.

This aircraft orderbook will generate more than £5.2 billion in economic value to the UK’s aerospace sector, supporting work across the industry’s 113,000-strong highly skilled workforce and supply chain.

Alongside aircraft orders, 466 firm aircraft engine orders were also announced during the first day of the five-day biennial event.

Kevin Craven, CEO of ADS and Chair of Farnborough International said:

“Today’s orderbook is a clear signal that confidence in the global aerospace industry remains high, with airlines continuing to invest in the aircraft and technologies that will shape the future of flight.”

“Our aerospace sector delivers £14.3 billion in value to the UK economy and a total of £30.6 billion in exports. It is our partnership with our international counterparts that truly makes the UK home to an open, ambitious and innovative industry and we are delighted to see this reflected in today’s orderbook.”

The announcements follow the publication of ADS’ half-year commercial aircraft order and delivery data, which showed a record global backlog of 16,925 aircraft and a 15% year-on-year increase in aircraft orders during the first half of 2026.

ENDS.

 

Notes to editors:

  • Aircraft order figures cover those manufactured by Airbus and Boeing.
  • The £36.2bn figure also includes helicopter orders by Airbus.
  • Engine order figures cover those manufactured by LEAP and Pratt & Whitney.
  • ADS is the UK trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space sectors, with more than 2,000 member businesses.
  • Farnborough International, the world-leading events business responsible for the Farnborough International Airshow, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the ADS Group.
  • ADS’ Aerospace Outlook finds that in 2025, the UK aerospace industry generated £41.5 billion in turnover; £30.6 billion in exports; and supports a workforce of 113,000 people. The Outlook can be read in full here.
  • ADS’ half-year commercial aircraft order and delivery data can be found here.