Farnborough Review

So just what will the Farnborough Air Show 2008 be remembered for?

It’s sixtieth birthday?

Or perhaps the record-breaking order placed by Etihad Airways?

Either way, everyone will take away something to ponder at this biennial event, not least the rather over-emphasised issue on environmental concerns and how the industry aims to reduce its global carbon footprint.

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While a raft of US airlines and others across the European and Asia/Pacific Rim battle for survival as oil prices continue to rise, once again, the Middle East has become the shining beacon at air shows. On the back of a highly successful Dubai Air Show just 9 months ago, Etihad Airways has finally joined its Arab rivals, Emirates and Qatar Airways in committing to numerous airplanes.

Of notable question is just how low did Airbus go to snare the A350-1000 at Etihad, given that Emirates is not at all pleased with that particular model. Equally, what tangible benefit does Etihad gain by opting for the A350 family given its larger commitment for 777’s and 787’s?

Given Airbus’ inherent exposure between these three airlines, the omens may come back to haunt it should deferrals become cancellations. Emirates is one carrier that isn’t shy - it wasted precious little time in terminating the gas guzzling A340-600 order despite desperate attempts by Airbus to salvage and covert the order for other models.

Image courtesy of Boeing

Further, between Etihad, Emirates and Qatar Airways, just how much traffic is there to split between Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha?

Only time will tell.

The one aspect that will be scrutinised in the weeks to come is the price of the A380’s bought by the Abu Dhabi based airline. Without going into too much detail, Etihad secured terms as favourable as British Airways. Break-even on the airplane is anyone’s guess…

As usual, the [boring] routine of Airbus announcing orders already known again and again reared its head as the company re-announced a deal with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise for a mix of A320’s and A350’s. (Makes you wonder why they bothered announcing the deal back in Dubai knowing full well they’d announce it again.) But we’re all accustomed to that style given the amount times the Qatar Airways A350 deal was regurgitated.

On the bright side, Airbus did the honourable deed and finally removed the Iraqi Airways A310 order that had languished on its order books for almost an eternity.

The highlight for most will have been the awesome display of the Lockheed Martin F22 Raptor.

In true English fashion, the aerobatic skills of all of the pilots drew huge applause from the audience around the show site.

Even the A380 drew gasps from those who were seeing this behemoth for the first time.

From the rather chaotic opening Monday, the show was a great experience. Not quite as brilliant as I’d hoped for, but then, neither did the industry prepare very well at all for oil floating at over $130 per barrel.

Between now and the next show in 2010, the extravaganza at Al Maktoum International Airport next November is the one to watch out for…

(Click here for selection of images from the show)

13 comments July 21st, 2008