Owned by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) during two World Wars and 40 years of the Cold War, Farnborough saw its first civil aviation operations in 1989. The MOD declared the airfield surplus to military requirements in 1991; the government then decided the airfield should be redeveloped as a business aviation centre in 1994. Following a competitive process led by the government, TAG Aviation won the bid and took over in 1997. Planning then took place until 1999. After much redevelopment, TAG Farnborough Airport took full control under a 99 year lease in 2003 as a fully compliant CAA airport for business aviation. TAG bought the airfield freehold at the end of 2007. The Farnborough International Airshow continues to be held every two years.
The Farnborough International Airshow
Since its opening to the public in 1948, the Farnborough International Airshow has become one of the world‟s foremost aviation events. With origins in exhibitions by the Royal Air Force and Society of British Aircraft Companies, the Airshow takes place every two years.
The 2008 Airshow drew:
- 132,636 trade visitors
- 70 delegations from 38 countries
- 153,000 visitors during public days
- 165 aircraft, whether on static or in the flying display
The show produced approximately GBP 44.35 billions of aviation orders.
For further information, please visit:
www.farnborough.com