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FARNBOROUG 96: HOME GAME

Booked out! The Society of British Aerospace Companies was pleased to announce, that at the opening of this year's Farnborough International '96 there were: A plus of more than 100 exhibitors, the largest exhibition tents in the world, and 155 rented out chalet units. Best of all: 150000 public and 130000 trade visitors.

Still, the times when additional rows of chalets could only be reached after long walks are past. Many small companies had booked chalets this year, something that is an indication for many special activities. Huge restaurants occupied spacious exhibition areas and some large companies were missing entirely: Alenia, Cessna, Daimler-Benz Aerospace, Eurocopter, Sextant Avionique.

It was a British show with an American touch. More than 250 US companies presented their products; without them, the trade fair's international character would have been affected. The number of German exhibitors was very limited: BMW Rolls-Royce, Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik, Diehl Luftfahrtelektronik, Hella, Leistriz, and Siemens.

The aircraft park on the ramp had its highlight's but, was smaller than ever before. At least the thrust vector controlled Sukhoi Su-37, Embraer's EMB-145, the performance improved MiG-21MF Lancer from Rumania, and the Tu-214, a light version of the Tu-204 with a greater range, gave their debut. The flying display was also only partially interesting on the first days of the show. Since the MiG-29, Su-37, and F/A-18 had violated the flight safety regulations and temporarily had to stay on the ground, the Airbus A330, A340, F-16, Rafale, Gripen, and the Eurofighter EF2000 filled the flying program.

In spite of all critics: Farnborough International '96 can be proud of the statistics. The number of trade visitors was sufficient, both Boeing and Airbus received orders in the amount of billions. Interesting discussions, for example about Airbus and the Eurofighter, the European aerospace industry, and the transatlantic cooperation, were the reason for a good atmosphere during the show.

However, in spite of the success of Farnborough International '96, the Aˇrosalon in Paris is undisputedly holding the lead position in the international comparison of aerospace trade shows. France is perfect at giving such an event an international character. All other aerospace shows live off their regional markets which they represent. Some of them are good at that, such as Singapore, Dubai, and Farnborough. Others, like ILA in Berlin, have a hard time. Still, ILA'96 was well organized, had a good infrastructure, and showed many new aircraft. Its organizers are already at work to generate more exhibitors and business visitors for the 1998 show. After all, Germany is one of the most important aerospace markets.

From page 16 of FLUG REVUE 10/96