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Boeing scales back commercial presence at Farnborough Airshow

Aircraft manufacturer prioritizes factory improvements while showcasing defense and sustainability technologies

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Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (Photo: wiltshirespotter, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons)

Boeing has announced a reduced commercial presence at the 2024 Farnborough International Airshow, opting instead to focus on strengthening safety and quality measures and meeting customer commitments.

The aerospace giant will still participate in the event, showcasing defense products, sustainability technologies, and next-generation capabilities.

Dr. Brendan Nelson AO, president of Boeing Global, explained the company’s decision: “We are concentrated on implementing our comprehensive safety and quality plan and meeting our customer commitments. With these priorities in mind, we have reduced our commercial airplanes display and flight demonstrations at the show.”

Despite the scaled-back commercial presence, Boeing’s exhibit will feature interactive displays spanning its portfolio. Highlights include:

  • Sustainability technologies, such as the X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator and Boeing ecoDemonstrator
  • Defense products and services, including F-15 experiences
  • Freighter program portfolio
  • A full-size 777X interior section

On static display, visitors can expect to see a Qatar Airways 787-9 Dreamliner and various U.S. military aircraft, including an F-15E, AH-64E Apache, CH-47F Chinook, and P-8A Poseidon. The F-15QA fighter jet will perform aerial demonstrations.

Wisk Aero, a Boeing subsidiary, will exhibit its Generation 6 aircraft, described as the world’s first all-electric, autonomous eVTOL air taxi.

Boeing executives will participate in various conference sessions throughout the airshow, addressing topics such as sustainability, future aerospace technologies, and supply chain challenges.

The company’s decision to reduce its commercial presence at Farnborough comes as it continues to navigate challenges in its commercial aircraft division. Boeing has faced increased scrutiny over quality control issues, particularly following a mid-air blowout on an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 in January.

By focusing on safety and quality improvements, Boeing aims to rebuild trust with customers and regulators. As Nelson stated, “The best way to build trust is through high-quality performance in our factories, one airplane at a time.”

The Farnborough International Airshow will take place from July 22-26, 2024, in Farnborough, United Kingdom.

Written by
Dirk Andrei Salcedo

Dirk is the founder and editor-in-chief of Aviation Updates Philippines (AUP), a platform dedicated to providing the latest news and insights on the aviation industry in the Philippines. With a strong passion for aviation and a background in computer engineering, he manages all aspects of AUP, from website development to content curation.

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