The “Dream” at Farnborough Airshow
The Farnborough Airshow marked a rebound in aerospace fortunes, with new products on display and multi-billion dollar deals making headlines. The Dreamliner flew in and AIA once again had an extremely active and productive show, featuring a number of high-level events.
Luncheon raises money for UK and U.S. charities
The weekend preceding the airshow, AIA held a charity luncheon at the House of Commons, where member companies generously contributed $55,000 for Help for Heroes and 
Operation Homefront. Both organizations are dedicated to aiding military veterans and families.
The reception and lunch were held in the Strangers’ and Friends Rooms in Westminster Palace, and were attended by member CEOs and representatives and U.S. Senators from the congressional delegation. Following the lunch, Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons Nigel Evans conducted a personal tour of the palace.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner Makes First International Appearance
One of Farnborough’s star attractions was the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. Boeing’s new jet touched down on foreign soil for the first time at the show and quickly demanded rapt attention from media, aircraft enthusiasts and prospective buyers.
AIA coordinated a tour of aircraft’s interior for the congressional delegation, the first of many such tours over the ensuing days. Boeing engineers and staff were on hand to welcome the group into the cockpit, the partially-outfitted passenger cabin and a maze of test flight equipment.
Joint U.S.-Japanese Reception Highlights Continued Alliance
AIA and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between 
the U.S. and Japanese aerospace industries at a reception in London.
In her remarks, AIA President and CEO Marion C. Blakey said, “The partnership between the Japanese and U.S. aerospace industry remains a solid foundation to build on and serves as an excellent launching pad for products like the 787 that we are all excited to see at the Farnborough Airshow.”
AIA Hosts Star-Studded VIP Reception
AIA’s VIP reception and dinner was a gathering of a veritable who’s who of aerospace. In addition to industry attendees, many government officials were guests at the reception and dinner, including: NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr.; Fred P. Hochberg, president and chairman of the Export-Import Bank; Nicole Lamb-Hale, assistant secretary for Manufacturing and Services at the U.S. Department of Commerce; Liam Fox, U.K. secretary of state for Defense, and Dr. Ashton B. Carter, the under secretary of defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics.
Major themes of the evening’s discussion were ratification of the U.S.-UK treaty and export control modernization.
Space Industry Breakfast
AIA hosted a VIP space breakfast with NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. and senior industry representatives. Bolden spoke about NASA’s initiatives, the importance of a healthy commercial space sector and the importance of international cooperation through models like the International Space Station. Leaders from A|D|S and UK Space also attended the session.
The meeting, organized on the heels of the newly released National Space Policy, was designed to strengthen dialogue between industry and administration officials. A key element of the new National Space Policy focuses on the opportunities for increasing international collaboration on space activities.
U.S. Military Corral Tour
AIA hosted the U.S. Military Aircraft Corral, which featured three types of fighter jets, two cargo lifters and other aircraft. In addition to managing the logistics of moving and housing a hundred-odd military pilots and other air crew, AIA arranged tours of the aircraft for member companies and guests.
Ambassador’s Residence Reception
One of the highlights of the show was the reception at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in London, a function that attracted the crème de la crème of aerospace and policy circles. The reception was hosted by the Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Susman, and the Charge d'Affaires Richard LeBaron. In addition to many AIA CEOs, NASA Administrator Charles Bolden, Air Force Secretary Michael B. Donley and Export-Import Bank Chairman Fred P. Hochberg made appearances.
Rocket Contest
Ending the show on a high note, the United States emerged victorious from a three-nation rocket fly-off. National competition winners from the United States, UK and France came to Farnborough for a final launch to determine who would take the global crown. The Yanks from Pennsylvania took the top prize.
Onward and Upward
AIA attends air shows in support of our member companies. Our next event will be South Africa in September.
AIA Source: patrick.carlson[at]aia-aerospace.org
Be sure to check out the FarnBlog, which brought members pictures and news from AIA at Farnborough.
