Farnborough synonymous with airshow

FARNBOROUGH Airshow 2014 is just days away.

This week Farnborough International CEO Shaun Ormod said more than 2,500 contractors were currently working to get the site ready on time, as the biennial event returns.

Some residents will no doubt be affected by road closures and an influx on people over the course of July 14 – 21, but as Mr Ormod rightly says, this is Farnborough’s huge moment in the limelight.

The airshow, which has trade exhibitions from Monday to Friday, followed by a public weekend next Saturday and Sunday, costs the aviation industry £100 million to set up and run every two years and attracts crowds of thousands from far and wide.

Farnborough is to the aviation world what Wimbledon is to tennis, and what Henley is rowing – synonymous.

The show has been going for more than 60 years and although it has seen many changes, it always acts a celebration of the town’s rich aviation history.

Some residents have been miffed this year at the price of entry tickets, but Mr Ormod has said his team has raised its game to make sure people choose to come to Farnborough and that in doing so, they feel they get value for money. He has given his assurances that the content is better than has been seen in a long time.

A lot of aircraft will be making their debuts this year, including the Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, and favourites the Red Arrows and Spitfire will be returning.

Whether readers are treating themselves to tickets this year – or watching from the comforts of their gardens – the airshow is a time to be proud of the town and its heritage.