Farnborough Air Show Tickets
Discussion
Try and go on the Friday before the public days (Saturday and Sunday).
Last couple of times we’ve been it’s been on the Friday which seems to be mostly schools and students going to see the industry side. Good flight show too - not as big as the weekend shows but well worth the fact it’s not as busy.
Not a problem getting tickets provided you get in relatively quick after they go on sale. Sign up for the mailing list and you’ll get an email for early purchase and discounts etc.
Last couple of times we’ve been it’s been on the Friday which seems to be mostly schools and students going to see the industry side. Good flight show too - not as big as the weekend shows but well worth the fact it’s not as busy.
Not a problem getting tickets provided you get in relatively quick after they go on sale. Sign up for the mailing list and you’ll get an email for early purchase and discounts etc.
Scabutz said:
dr_gn said:
I thought there was no flying display in future? It was absolutely dire the last few times I went.
Oh really? Because of that t
t at Shoreham?Unless things have changed dramatically from last time, if you want to see a decent number of interesting (ie military) aircraft flying, go elsewhere. If you like looking at dull trade stalls in a hall, and queueing to sit in some mock-up aircraft outside, you’ll love it.
The air display element of the Farnborough Air Show has been declining for many years. As far as the organisers are concerned, it is not and never really has been their top priority. The show is fundamentally a trade show and I always tailor my approach to it on that basis. If you want lots of military jets blasting through the skies or if you want historic warbirds etc, Farnborough is not the place.
If you like strolling through the pavillions, looking at the technolgy behind aerospace and chatting with the people who are working on all aspects of the industry, then it is a great show.
The decision was made after the very poor weekend public days shows of 2018 and the (rightful) criticism they received, to cancel that element of the show as it had already diminished significantly and was frankly becoming an embarrassment. Another factor as to why the weekend show was poor was because the trade pavilions and ceased opening up for those days - so the public couldn't get into the trade halls - which for me was what the show was really about.
For well over ten years, Friday has also been included as a public day with an emphasis on education and careers. On the Friday, the exhibition halls and trade stands have ALWAYS been open - so I preferred to go on the Friday if at all possible.
The new set-up, if and when the show returns in 2022, will be that there will be no public days on Saturday or Sunday BUT the Friday will remain as it has been for over a decade i.e. the general public will be admitted provided they buy an advance ticket. There should still be the trade-day type air display on the Friday - although I have noticed that some of the aircraft that were flying during the trade days (Monday to Thursday) do start departing on Friday. But if you get there early you will see them at least.
If you like strolling through the pavillions, looking at the technolgy behind aerospace and chatting with the people who are working on all aspects of the industry, then it is a great show.
The decision was made after the very poor weekend public days shows of 2018 and the (rightful) criticism they received, to cancel that element of the show as it had already diminished significantly and was frankly becoming an embarrassment. Another factor as to why the weekend show was poor was because the trade pavilions and ceased opening up for those days - so the public couldn't get into the trade halls - which for me was what the show was really about.
For well over ten years, Friday has also been included as a public day with an emphasis on education and careers. On the Friday, the exhibition halls and trade stands have ALWAYS been open - so I preferred to go on the Friday if at all possible.
The new set-up, if and when the show returns in 2022, will be that there will be no public days on Saturday or Sunday BUT the Friday will remain as it has been for over a decade i.e. the general public will be admitted provided they buy an advance ticket. There should still be the trade-day type air display on the Friday - although I have noticed that some of the aircraft that were flying during the trade days (Monday to Thursday) do start departing on Friday. But if you get there early you will see them at least.
I live more or less under the flight path and have been going to the show since the early 80's.
Everything Eric said is correct.
When XH558 and the A380 both attended it was still decent enough, but the last 2 were, IMVHO, dire.
And was great to see the constellation there as well.
But the days of willy waving between the US and Soviets jets are long gone.
I would bet money the red arrows will be disbanded soon too.
Everything Eric said is correct.
When XH558 and the A380 both attended it was still decent enough, but the last 2 were, IMVHO, dire.
And was great to see the constellation there as well.
But the days of willy waving between the US and Soviets jets are long gone.
I would bet money the red arrows will be disbanded soon too.
Arnie Cunningham said:
When XH558 and the A380 both attended it was still decent enough, but the last 2 were, IMVHO, dire.
I must have been lucky to attend a couple of the last decent shows - perhaps around 2008? As you say there was the A380, Vulcan, some decent military displays (F-18 Super Hornet springs to mind), and plenty to see on the ground. Got to sit in a Hercules, Globemaster III, V-22, Hawk, and a guided tour inside the Catalina. Must admit though I'm glad I got trade tickets and didn't have to pay...Arnie Cunningham said:
I would bet money the red arrows will be disbanded soon too.
Not going to happen, as that might shine an awkward spotlight on the actual state of the RAF, which while the Scarlet Sparrows keep flying, 'joe public' thinks all is well with the RAF, as the Sparrows are the RAF in the eyes of 95% of the public.The Sparrows will be the last thing the politicians will chop!
Arnie Cunningham said:
How old are the hawks they’re flying these days? Are the airframes good to keep going?
MOD have recently announced that all the 70-odd Hawk T1/T1A fleet will be retired by 2025, but the Sparrows will continue. How is not explained, given the support structure for T1/T1A fleet is being removed?My guess would be commercial support contract with RA direct with BAe perhaps?
Arnie Cunningham said:
I live more or less under the flight path and have been going to the show since the early 80's.
Everything Eric said is correct.
When XH558 and the A380 both attended it was still decent enough, but the last 2 were, IMVHO, dire.
And was great to see the constellation there as well.
But the days of willy waving between the US and Soviets jets are long gone.
I would bet money the red arrows will be disbanded soon too.
This exactly. Until there is something comparable to the Vulcan (unlikely) or far more fast jets or exotics then I doubt I’d be back. I was also under the flight path / display area with the a380s feeling like they would take the roof off the house but still went to the show. Not any more and I’ve moved out of fboroEverything Eric said is correct.
When XH558 and the A380 both attended it was still decent enough, but the last 2 were, IMVHO, dire.
And was great to see the constellation there as well.
But the days of willy waving between the US and Soviets jets are long gone.
I would bet money the red arrows will be disbanded soon too.
Seems a bit harsh to move away just because the air show’s gone. 
The dire town is more of reason though. Which is a shame, because the history of the town is absolutely fascinating (Cody, Tilly Shilling and many other very noteworthy people, aircraft and events)
The dire town is more of reason though. Which is a shame, because the history of the town is absolutely fascinating (Cody, Tilly Shilling and many other very noteworthy people, aircraft and events)
Edited by Arnie Cunningham on Wednesday 7th April 21:29
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