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Farnborough International Airshow: The biggest edition of the event yet
More than 1,500 exhibitors were ready to welcome visitors when the doors opened on Monday morning. An additional exhibition hall has been added for 2026 to accommodate exceptional demand from companies across the global aerospace, defence and space industries. The industry returning to Farnborough in 2026 is markedly different from the one that gathered here two years ago. Geopolitical instability has increased the focus on defence production and industrial resilience, while aerospace companies continue to navigate supply chain constraints, skills shortages and growing pressure to bring new technology to market more quickly. At the same time, investment is accelerating across areas including autonomy, advanced air mobility, digital manufacturing and lower-emission flight.
The importance of the event to industry and its stakeholders is difficult to overstate. Farnborough generated more than $80 billion in aircraft deals during the 2024 show. Expectations may be more measured in 2026 amid a challenging geopolitical and economic environment, but there remains considerable anticipation around the announcements and potential surprises that could emerge during the week.
Boeing: Global Commercial Fleet Will Top 50,000 Airplanes in 20 Years
Boeing projects near-term disruptions will not meaningfully affect long-term aviation industry growth with demand for air travel set to double over the next 20 years. The global commercial airplane fleet is expected to grow nearly 80% to more than 50,000 airplanes by 2045 as airlines and cargo operators add capacity. Ahead of the Farnborough International Airshow, Boeing released its 2026 Commercial Market Outlook (CMO), forecasting that operators will need nearly 44,000 new airplanes to support sustained air travel demand and air cargo expansion over the next 20 years. Half of these deliveries are projected to replace previous-generation airplanes with more fuel-efficient models and support sustainability goals.
AMAC Aerospace Launches AMAC Academy
AMAC Aerospace is proud to announce the launch of AMAC Academy, a new aircraft
maintenance training program designed to develop highly skilled aircraft maintenance professionals through an industry-focused, hands-on learning environment at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg. The first intake will begin in January 2027. Located within the facilities of AMAC Aerospace Switzerland AG, AMAC Academy is developed in accordance with EASA Part-147 and FOCA requirements and is designed to prepare students for their EASA Part-66 Basic License in either Category B1.1 (aircraft mechanical systems and turbine engines) or B2 (avionics). Students have access to AMAC Aerospace’s aircraft, components, workshops, and experienced aviation professionals, allowing them to develop both the technical expertise and practical skills required by today’s aviation sector. The full-time program is delivered in English with industry professionals as instructors. Successful completion of the training will lead to a Certificate of Recognition, qualifying graduates to apply for an EASA Aircraft Maintenance License (AML) with reduced practical experience requirements. An EASA Part-147 training program allows graduates to submit their EASA Part-66 License application after 4 years instead of 5 years.
People: Heike Birlenbach to leave Swiss after 36 years within the Lufthansa Group
After 36 years in various leadership positions within the Lufthansa Group, Heike Birlenbach will leave Swiss and conclude her career within the Group as planned at the end of September 2026. She will then pursue new professional opportunities outside the Lufthansa Group. Since the beginning of 2024, Heike Birlenbach has served as Chief Commercial Officer of Swiss, overseeing the airline's commercial divisions. Under her leadership, Swiss introduced its new long-haul travel experience, “Swiss Senses”, further developed its customer strategy and strengthened partnerships in Switzerland. In addition, the repositioning of Swiss WorldCargo was initiated during her tenure.
As part of the further development of leadership structures within the Lufthansa Group, the Chief Commercial Officer function at airline level will no longer continue in the future. Topics relating to the customer experience at Swiss will be overseen directly by CEO Jens Fehlinger, while Swiss WorldCargo will be assigned to the Finance division.
Prior to joining Swiss, Heike Birlenbach held various leadership positions within the Lufthansa Group for many years in London, Amsterdam, Milan, Munich and at the Group headquarters in Frankfurt. Among other responsibilities, she shaped the global sales organisation, promoted the digitalisation of customer channels and supported the development of new products and service concepts, always with a strong focus on customers and high-quality standards.
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