The Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) said this year’s air show was the best yet, with interest from around the world.
It had nearly 30 members present for the week who generated millions of pounds worth of potential business.
FAC supports around 300 companies – mostly SMEs in the south and south east of England.
But because of its influence it also has members based in the US and in the Gulf states.
David Barnes its Chief Executive Officer said that large businesses from around the world were targeting FAC and its members because the UK’s aerospace supply industry is very strong in the south east.
He said: “We are recognised internationally because of our history and the association with Farnborough.
“This year there was a real buzz and was probably the most successful show ever for us. The leads generated are expected to develop into millions of pounds worth of business.
“It attracted exactly the right sort of people; we had a number of MPs and government ministers visit our stand and the Prime Minister also attended the show.
“Mark Carney, the Governor of the Bank of England, came to speak with us and we saw a number of other influential figures.
“Representatives from industry came from around the world and were clearly impressed with the products and services on offer.
“There was interest from Europe, the US and the Middle East, but also from emerging markets including China and India.
“Our aerospace industry is one to be extremely proud of and the breadth of industries in the supply chain would surprise many.
“Being based in Farnborough means we are at the heart of the aerospace sector in the UK and if the feedback from this year’s show is anything to go by the industry is in rude health.
“We will be at the next show in 2020 and in the meantime our members will be following up the leads from this year.”
The FAC 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.
