Farnborough: FAC takes off at Air Show with largest presence yet

Aerospace’s longest established trade association is making its strongest showing so far at the Farnborough International Air Show. The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) will be hosting its highest number of members on its largest stand yet at the internationally famous event.

Some 27 businesses will have dedicated display space on the FAC’s 190 sq m stand while others among its 200-strong membership will be able to use it as a base for networking and meetings.

The FAC – the local trade association for Farnborough International Air Show – will also launch a new website, unveil an innovative business development initiative and welcome VIPSs during the show on July 16 to 19.

Operations manager Kim Yeomans said: “There was record demand for space on our stand with most places filled some months ago.

“With our largest stand so far and highest number of members attending in more than 20 years, we’re anticipating another very successful event following on from the 2016 show.

“As one of the longest established trade association in aerospace and defence, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors from the UK, Europe and the World but also to making some exciting announcements of our own.”

Chief executive David Barnes added: “It is more important than ever that the FAC leads the way as the ‘local” trade association for Farnborough to ensure the region maintains its prime position and continues to grow on a global scale.”

The FAC will be part of the UK Pavilion in a prime location in Hall One, which is a purpose-built exhibition centre on the show site.

The biennial Farnborough International Air Show – dubbed ‘the home of UK Aviation’ – will welcome 73,000 visitors in 2018 when there will be more than 1,500 stands in six halls as well as regular air displays.

The trade show is from Monday July 16 to Friday July 20 before the gates are opened to the public for the weekend.

The FAC has national and international members providing support to its members in the South and South East of England, which is the heart of the UK aerospace industry.

It acts as a link between large global prime contractors, government and academia with SMEs in the supply chain, and as enabler of business support to its members and partners.

A not-for-profit organisation incorporated in 1997, the FAC helps members become more competitive and increase market share through trade, technology transfer and development, sharing of best practice, training and lobbying.