$51 billion in deals on first day; A321XLR at show

Crisis-hit Boeing, which was seen as keeping a low profile at the event by continuing a recent trend of avoiding passenger jet displays, nevertheless occupied a large stand and secured an early boost from several orders. Korean Air signed up for 40 wide-body jets from the U.S. planemaker, while Japan Airlines placed a firm order for 10 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 more.

Vietnam’s budget airline VietJet placed an order for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft on Monday.

Meanwhile, Airbus attracted the attention of thousands of trade delegates with an early afternoon display of the soon-to-be-launched A321XLR, set to be the world’s longest-range single-aisle aircraft.

The plane received European certification on Friday and is eagerly awaited by several airlines, including Ireland’s Aer Lingus and Spain’s Iberia, for its ability to cover long routes previously served only by wide-bodies, while reducing fuel costs.

The first A321XLRs are expected to be delivered in the third quarter, almost a year later than initially scheduled, highlighting one of the major issues still hanging over the aviation industry – ongoing delivery delays and supply chain disruptions.

In recent years, the Farnborough show – which alternates with the Paris Air Show every two years – has consolidated its role as a deal-making and industry showcase, with fewer aircraft displays and interactive exhibits. In 2019, it announced it would drop the weekend portion of the event, which is open to the general public.

The event featured a slew of startups working on electric eVTOLS (electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles), hydrogen-powered aircraft and other next-generation projects. Boom Supersonic, which is working to bring back supersonic air travel, is set to make an announcement Tuesday.

China’s Comac – seen as a potential future competitor to the likes of Airbus and Boeing – had a large, if low-key, display with small models of its C919 narrowbody, C929 widebody and ARJ21 regional jets, including different cabin configurations.

The company said it had discussions at the event, but declined to comment on which airlines or markets it was targeting with the aircraft, which is currently only certified in China. Officials from several countries were seen at the company’s stand, though it was more muted for Comac than it was at the Singapore Airshow earlier this year, when it made its international debut with the C919 and announced an order for aircraft from China’s Tibet Airlines.

Military technology remains one of the biggest components at Farnborough, with aircraft including a US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle, a Boeing F-15QA and a British Army Chinook heard overhead throughout the afternoon.

Farnborough managed to attract the new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to give an opening speech, with attention focused mainly on his comments about the importance of a joint UK-Japan-Italy fighter jet project.

The incoming Labour government led by Starmer has announced a review of the Global Combat Air Programme, created under former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, in 2023, leading to speculation that the UK could abandon the initiative.

Deal-making and discussions will continue throughout the rest of the five-day event, which concludes on Friday.