Farnborough Colour Report

Whilst Airbus and Boeing argued over sales statistics and market share, Boeing announced it will definitely proceed with the 737-800 project, announcing an order for over 40 aircraft from four undisclosed buyers. The first of the 164-189 seater twinjets will be delivered in March 1998. Not surprisingly, Boeing claimed that the 737-800 would fly further and higher than the A321. Meanwhile, Airbus proudly reported a backlog of 616 aircraft and predicted orders would pick up by late 1995.

Some notable no-shows this year were headed by the Boeing 777, the Eurofighter, An-70 Airlifter and Tu-160 Blackjack strategic bomber. Many observers thought Boeing had missed a great opportunity to show off their mega-twin and incorporate some long distance test flying in getting to and from the show. Obviously not the sentiment at Seattle.

The South African aerospace industry made a welcome reappearance, presenting the Rooivalk CSH-2 helicopter and the Ace Turbo-Prop light aircraft. In addition the South African Aerospace stand was very impressive, a clear demonstration that South Africa has at last returned to the fold of international aviation.

The European FLA consortium optimistically presented a model of their proposed Future Large Aircraft, aimed at the British government as an RAF C-130 replacement. Airbus Industrie indicating they had become involved to provide management for the project. The Russians arrived with a large array of aircraft as usual, however their presence was not as dramatic as usual with most of the aircraft having already been seen in the west.

The last day of the show featured a flypast by the Vickers Vimy replica before it departed Farnborough to re-enact Ross & Keith Smith’s epic first flight from London to Sydney in 1919. As an illustration of the advances in air transport, a Qantas 747-400 performed a flypast shortly after the Vimy, then returned to Heathrow and operated the regular QF10 London to Sydney service, arriving Tuesday as the Vimy crew had their second night’s rest in Europe.