The opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow generated $48.8 billion (£36.2bn) in deals at list prices, with around £7.7bn of the potential work expected to benefit UK aerospace companies.
Figures provided by ADS Group, the trade body representing the UK aerospace, defence, security and space industries, show that the global value of deals was 4% lower than on the first day of the 2024 airshow. However, the value of business linked to UK companies increased.
The figures included firm orders for 234 commercial aircraft, representing an estimated £5.2bn in potential work for British industry. That was 13% higher than the UK value generated by aircraft orders on the opening day of Farnborough 2024, despite the global total being lower.
When firm engine orders are included, the estimated value of work for UK companies rises to £7.7bn.
The largest aircraft deal of the day came from lessor SMBC Aviation Capital, which ordered 100 Boeing 737 Max aircraft, comprising 40 737-8s and 60 737-10s. The company later announced an order for another 100 aircraft from Airbus’ A320neo family, including 65 A321neos and 35 A320neos. Deliveries are expected to begin in the first half of the 2030s.
Saudi airline Riyadh Air also converted options into firm orders for 28 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, including 20 of the larger 787-10 variant. It also ordered six Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, taking its total commitment to the model to 31.
Together, the SMBC Aviation Capital and Riyadh Air deals accounted for the 234 firm commercial aircraft orders recorded by ADS on the opening day.
Philippine Airlines separately announced a commitment for up to 20 Boeing 787-10 aircraft, including 15 firm aircraft and purchase rights for five more. The order will be added to Boeing’s backlog once finalised.
The headline deal value also included 466 firm engine orders for aircraft already ordered, along with 60 engine options, 20 aircraft options and several helicopter orders.
The figures are based on historic or estimated list prices rather than the confidential prices negotiated between manufacturers and customers.
ADS said the deals involved fewer buyers than in previous years, reflecting the large order backlogs already held by aircraft and engine manufacturers. Airbus and Boeing have sold much of their narrowbody production capacity well into the next decade, making delivery slots increasingly valuable.
The strong order book also presents challenges for the UK industry, which faces a shortage of skilled workers. The sector has been advertising around 10,000 vacancies a year, with smaller suppliers competing for engineers and technical specialists.
With four days of announcements still to come, Farnborough 2026 has already delivered almost $50bn in deals and billions of pounds in potential work for UK aerospace.
