Jets, Tech, And Green Goals

The key themes at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024 revolved around innovation and sustainability. Sizeable aircraft orders, advancements in eVTOL technology, and a strong commitment to environmental goals underscore an industry that is not only rebounding from past challenges but also setting the stage for a more sustainable and technologically advanced future, reports ATUL CHANDRA.

- ATUL CHANDRA

The Farnborough International Airshow 2024 (FIA 2024) provided another clear indication that the global commercial aviation industry has recovered to a considerable extent from the travails of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While FIA 2024 couldn't quite match the record-breaking orders seen at 2023 Paris Airshow, there was still plenty to celebrate for commercial airframers and engine manufacturers. In Paris, last year, Airbus and Boeing announced orders and commitments for 846 and 356 aircraft respectively; while at Farnborough this year, Airbus secured total orders and commitments for 164 aircraft, while Boeing garnered 96 along with options for 22 more. In total, this worked out to orders for a total of 260 commercial jetliners worth £81.5 billion (₹704,700 crore). This also included engine orders worth $8.23 billion (₹68,885 crore).

There is no doubt however, that the number of aircraft orders would have been higher, as aircraft deliveries have been constrained with the industry OEMS struggling to ramp up their production rates. Of course, the airshow was much more than commercial jetliner orders with a heavy focus on the rapidly evolving electric Vertical Take-Off And Landing (eVTOL) industry and the aviation industry's strong commitment to sustainability.

Orders Galore

Airbus which is making the best of Boeing's ongoing travails, bagged several widebody jetliners orders at the show. Japan Airlines ordered additional 20 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, while Virgin Atlantic placed a firm order for seven A330neo aircraft raising its total commitment for the A330neo to 19 aircraft. Abra Group (a majority investor in Brazilian carriers Avianca and Gol) also inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for five A350-900s. Finally, Saudi Arabia's leading low-cost carrier flynas entered into an MoU with Airbus for 15 A330-900 jetliners.