Airshow hosts major announcements
The US aircraft will not be on show after it suffered an engine fire in June
GLORIOUS weather gave this year’s Farnborough International Airshow the perfect lift-off, but plane fans were mourning the absence of the F-35B Lightning II, which will not be appearing.
Clearance was awaited from the US Department of Defence (DoD) after the combat jet suffered an engine fire last month but ongoing investigations mean the ‘difficult decision’ has been made to rule it out.
The jet was originally meant to fly on Monday and it was hoped it would still appear in the skies over Farnborough later this week. A Farnborough International spokesperson said it fully supported the stance never to compromise the safety of spectators or pilots.
The US Pentagon’s press secretary, Navy Rear Admiral John Kirby, said: “While we’re disappointed that we’re not going to be able to participate in the airshow, we remain fully committed to the programme itself and look forward to future opportunities to showcase its capabilities to allies and to partners.”
The appearance of the Red Arrows was also in doubt as the display team met problems completing its validation last Wednesday, as one of the planes was hit by a bird.
Five fire engines attended Farnborough Airport after the Red Arrows stopped flying, but the world-famous team confirmed it will be out to wow the crowds this weekend.
Some of the finest weather of the year appears to have been saved for this year’s show – the biggest in the aviation calendar. Residents and visitors have been treated to the spectacular sight of low-flying aircraft, including the massive Boeing 787-9.
Spectators have been lining roads and car parks around the airfield to catch a glimpse of the magnificent flying machines.
There is already a buzz around Farnborough with the public open days to come, on Saturday and Sunday, when more of the world’s most treasured aircraft will be displayed. Among these are the Spitfire and the much-anticipated Avro Vulcan XH558.
The trade part of the show, which started on Monday and continues until tomorrow (Friday), should result in some large deals as hundreds of companies, such as BAE Systems and Qatar Airways, showcase their latest technology and equipment.
Brandon O’Reilly, CEO at TAG Farnborough Airport, which owns the airfield on which the biennial airshow takes place, said: “We’re incredibly proud to host one of, if not the, biggest air show.
“To Farnborough it brings recognition. To the local, regional and even national economy, it brings huge benefits and jobs. You can go to the middle of nowhere and mention Farnborough and they will know where you’re talking about.”
Russia withdrew its delegates from the show this year due to tensions between the country and the UK government over the Ukraine conflict.