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There are now just 17 days to go until the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 kicks off at Farnborough Airport (FAB) in the UK county of Hampshire. The event, which is held every other year and alternates with the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget Airport (LBG) in France, is one of the biggest of its kind in the entire aviation industry, and often serves as an ideal chance for airlines to announce orders.
This was certainly the case back in 2024. Indeed, as Simple Flying reported at the time, by the time the first four days of the show were over, at which point it becomes less of a trade event and more of a public spectacle, £81.5 billion ($104.84 billion at the time) of orders had been placed. Let’s cast our minds back to 2024 and recap last time’s top orders, as we gear up for this year’s show from July 20 to 24.
Recapping 2024’s Top Orders
At major airshows, airlines and manufacturers often like to get off to a strong start by announcing major orders very early on. At Farnborough in 2024, Korean Air came flying out of the traps on Monday with an order for 20 Boeing 777X jets and 20 787-10s (plus ten options). Not to be outdone by its Asian rival, the early days saw Japan Airlines make headlines with its own Airbus and Boeing orders.
Indeed, it committed to ten 787s plus ten options on the Monday, and followed this up a day later by buying 20 Airbus A350s and 11 A321neos. Elsewhere, Qatar Airways added 20 more 777-9s to its backlog. The last major order came on the Thursday, when Saudi low-cost carrier flynas signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus for 75 A320neo series jets and 15 A330-900s. flynas said that:
“This is our first order for the widebody A330neo with Airbus, with deliveries starting in 2027. This will enable us to explore new long-haul markets, offer more seat capacity, with diverse and innovative products to our passengers.”
What About 2022?
2024 was a particularly big year for orders at the Farnborough International Airshow since 2022 was a somewhat quieter affair. Indeed, with the aviation industry still only just beginning to recover from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, which had brought the airline sector to a near standstill just two years earlier, airlines were more cautious when it came to growth. This was reflected in the orders.
Countdown to the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. Click to read Simple Flying’s coverage.
The Farnborough Airshow is almost here
See our coverage
Countdown to the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. Click to read Simple Flying’s coverage.
The Farnborough Airshow is almost here
See our coverage
Of course, that isn’t to say that major deals weren’t sealed in the searing July heat as Farnborough found itself in the middle of one of the UK’s now worryingly common heatwaves: rather, there were just fewer of them. Still, Qatar Airways came out all guns blazing as it often does, buying 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10s (plus 25 options). However, less than three years later, in May 2025, the airline shelved this order.
Elsewhere, easyJet announced at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow that it would be adding another 56 units of the Airbus A320neo to its order book. This family of narrowbody twinjets is the future for the orange-clad LCC, whose fleet was previously dominated by Boeing 737s and then A320ceo series jets. Meanwhile, Delta placed 2022’s largest order, buying 100 737 MAX 10s and 12 A220-300s.
The Aircraft Confirmed To Attend Farnborough Airshow 2026
The 2026 Farnborough Airshow is shaping up to be an exciting event, with 27 aircraft already confirmed. However, the absence of major manufacturers Airbus and Boeing has left some wondering what surprises may still be in store.
Orders On The Ground, Displays In The Skies
While the bulk of the news from the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow will concern orders that are announced on the ground, visitors will also be looking to the skies to enjoy the event’s flying display program. This is always the most visually striking part of any airshow, and there is certainly a lot to look forward to this time around. Indeed, as seen above, Farnborough will host the USAF F-35A demo team.
Simple Flying Quiz
What Aircraft Type Are You?
Five questions. One aircraft. Find out which plane best matches your personality.
Question 1 of 5
How do you prefer to travel?
Question 2 of 5
What’s your ideal weekend away?
Question 3 of 5
How do you handle a busy schedule?
Question 4 of 5
What matters most to you on a long trip?
Question 5 of 5
How do others describe you?
Your Result
The Explorer
Cessna 172
You value freedom, simplicity, and the joy of the journey itself. You’re happiest when you’re in control, taking life at your own pace and discovering the world one small airfield at a time. No crowds, no queues — just sky.
Your Result
The Workhorse
Boeing 737
Reliable, efficient, and always in demand. You get the job done without fuss, keeping things moving for everyone around you. You’re the backbone of any operation — proven, dependable, and trusted the world over.
Your Result
The Icon
Airbus A380
You think big. More space, more comfort, more presence — you believe in doing things properly and on a grand scale. When you walk into a room, people notice. You’re built for the long haul, and you do it in style.
Your Result
The Pioneer
Concorde
Speed, ambition, and a refusal to accept limits define you. Every second counts, and you’d rather break the sound barrier than wait in line. You were ahead of your time — bold, brilliant, and utterly unforgettable.
The F-35 was announced as part of the first wave of aircraft this time last month. Among the other big military hitters that were revealed at that point in time were the Rolls-Royce Vickers Supermarine Spitfire PR.Mk.XIX and the Ultimate WarBird Flights P-51D Mustang. On the commercial and private side of things, the Airbus A350-1000, the Bombardier Global 8000, and the Saab 340B will also be present.
