The regional jet market, the impact of Brexit and disruptive technologies look likely to be the hot topics of this year’s Farnborough Airshow.
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Last week, Boeing agreed the deal that will give it control of Embraer’s commercial jet business. But the Brazilian manufacturer will be showing it still has enough bite to keep its place as a big fish in the smaller aircraft pond.
Its E-jet E2, aircraft is showing off a fantastic shark paint job as part of its “profit hunter” theme.
The need for a deal became more pressing for Boeing since its European rival, Airbus, took control of Bombardier’s C-Series regional jet programme last month.
Both the E2 and the CSeries will be flying in the displays this week, and watch out too for new developments in areas like cabin design, as the large manufacturers begin to focus on the market offerings.
MRJ
They don’t have it all to themselves though. Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi has brought the MRJ to southern England for its Farnborough show debut.
After years of costly engineering challenges and a management shake-up, the MRJ90 is now firmly back on track. For the first time in its decade long development Mitsubishi will demonstrate its aerodynamic and propulsion capabilities at a major airshow. More on that later in the week.
Unsurprisingly Brexit will be high on the agenda in the conference rooms. FINN will be reporting from the FINN Sessions in the Insight and Innovation Theatres during the week. Look out for the chair of the UK’s Treasury Select Committee Nikki Morgan on the stage and I will also be talking to the Administrator of the FAA about post-Brexit relationships with the US regulator.
Aviation for good
Aviation for good is well represented. Out on the static, Leonardo is showing the first AW101 in an all-weather search and rescue configuration for the Royal Norwegian Air Force. The Norwegians have ordered 16.
In the air, look out for the Boeing 727 converted to fight oil spills with its aerial dispersant system.
Of course, with the RAF celebrating its centenary there will be plenty of admirers of the latest military aircraft the F35 Lightening and the Eurofighter Typhoon.
One great admirer is former Apollo 15 Commander Al Wardon who has a special gift from the Moon.
Down the far end of the static park there is the Cargo Village where the giant freighters are demonstrating exactly why this sector of the industry is growing.
With flying cars, new materials and manufacturing technologies from around 1500 exhibitors plus a huge investment in space activity – there is a lot to see and do here this week.
Watch out for our daily programmes, interviews and special reports throughout the week here on FINN.
