This time, the show’s vibe was different to previous events….

Everyone seems to expect non-stop order announcements from Airbus and Boeing, with ATR and Embraer also enjoying new business. However, the 2024 show had a different focus. One aviation media outlet described Boeing’s approach as “softly softly” in an attempt to rebuild its tarnished image, with their focus on production and delivery.

So, what were the key points from the show…

Airbus – with a healthy order backlog from Paris 2023, their presence was upbeat. The order book further enhanced by large orders.

Flynas – signed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for 75 x A320neo and 15 x A330-900

Japan Air Lines – 11 x A321neo and 20 x A350-900

Virgin Atlantic – 7 x A330-900

DrukAir – the Bhutan national airline signed an MOU for 3 x A320neo and 2 x A321XLR

Abra Group – major investor in Avianca and GOL ordered 5 x A350-900.

Boeing - faith appeared to be restored in the troubled company, possibly due to 777X progress.

Japan Air Lines – 10 x 787-9, option for further 10

Korean – 20 x 777-9 and option for further 10 x 787-10

Luxair – 2 x 737-10

National Air Cargo – 4 x 777F

Qatar – 20 x 777-9

Macquarie Air Finance – 20 x 737-8

Embraer – no new orders. Its commercial division appeared to be focused heavily on developing the longer-term market positioning of its E-Jets. Released plans for wide-ranging upgrades and performance improvements for its commercial jet product range. The apply to E195-E2, E190-E2, and E175 variants. They include fuel burn and range improvements, avionics and cabin upgrades. Their Market Outlook 2024 estimates 10,500 orders for new jets and turboprops through to 2043.

The company was also very keen to showcase its E190F passenger to freighter conversion, which it sees as a “potential game changer” in this market.

ATR – although its focus was on product support, there was one new order.

Air Tahiti – 4 x ATR72-600

Their key announcements were within collaboration. A new MRO capability to support the Africa and Middle East market. As part of Ethiopian Airlines Group, Ethiopian MRO’s maintenance capabilities will support ATR operators in the region. Also to explore collaborative ways to train new ATR pilots with the Ethiopian Pilot Academy.

Other show news….

Sustainability initiatives remained a key focus for the major manufacturers, with several announcements.

Airbus is investing in LanzaJet, a leading sustainable fuels technology company and producer. This agreement in line with its ambition to act as a catalyst for the global development of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Airbus also announced a new partnership with aircraft lessor Avolon, to study the potential of hydrogen-powered aircraft. This marks the very first collaboration of the ZEROe Project with an operating lessor. 

Boeing announced a new partnership with Clear Sky, an investment company dedicated to aviation sustainability. They are joining forces to accelerate sustainability solutions for aviation. As an initial project, they will assist in testing and advancing Firefly Green Fuels’ innovative technology. The aim is to increase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production in the UK.

What else was of interest?

The static display always generates a lot of interest, alongside the flying displays. On the ground this time was the E195-E2 Profit Hunter in yet another eye-catching livery. It was joined by Virgin Atlantic’s A330-900 and Qatar Executive’s Gulfstream G700. Air India were keen to show off their new A350 interior, as was Qatar Airways with their 787-9. Braathen was keen to support ATR by showcasing one of their ATR72-600 aircraft. There was lots of interest in BA’s new cabin on their latest A320neo. G-TTNY only arrived on 17 July and carried out its first passenger-carrying flight 2 days later. General opinion is favourable, with some critics now saying that BA is returning slowly to its legacy roots.

The UK CAA announced that 26% more female pilots had received licences, which proves the career path is less prohibitive.

There’s always so much going on at Farnborough, so I’ve tried to keep to just a few topics. Always difficult with an event of this size!

And finally….

Jet2 - well, Michael O’Leary was mocked when he wanted to remove window blinds from his aircraft. However, it seems some of the 737-800 fleet do not have any. A BA First Officer noticed this on a recent flight and raised it with Jet2 via social media. A spokesperson confirmed!

JetBlue – on Saturday evening, a poster on Twitter/X reported that the airline was starting flights to Manchester in 2025. Unfortunately, it was not MAN but MHT in New Hampshire. Would be good if airline employees had a basic understanding of airport codes…

Information courtesy of Aviation Source News, Twitter/X

Images courtesy of AirInsight.com, Airline Geeks

©TPSC and Poshgirl