Farnborough Trade Day

[PhineasC]

Has anybody been to the trade days at Farnborough? I’m more interested in the way the business works than watching planes fly. The site is advertising tickets for sale, I haven’t applied but there may be a requirement that you have connection with the business. Wandering round being handed leafets from coompanies trying to sell ultra light lavatories may not be everybody’s idea of fun.

[DaveReidUK]

Has anybody been to the trade days at Farnborough? I’m more interested in the way the business works than watching planes fly.

Unless you can blag your way into one of the corporate hospitality chalets, you don't really have much chance of seeing the way the business works at Farnborough.

[PhineasC]

So it's not enough to turn up you've got to be on the guest list

[Buster the Bear]

It is a standard series of questions. The airport is still open so you can expect all kinds of flying, but it is NOT an air display for the public, allegedly manufacturers demonstrating their wares etc.

[Mr Angry from Purley]

You can apply by blagging it, there's no check from what i've seen (i work for an airline but thats not listed so i just selected something from the drop down list). The hospitality places as Dave Reid says you won't get in but the main places sure no problem. Give it a go if thats what takes your fancy!:\

[Andrew R]

What are the best days to go? I'm not interested in seeing aircraft flying. I just want to see aircraft on the ground up close and personal.

[PhineasC]

I don't think I'll be going, not because I won't get in, I run an IT consultancy with a legitmate interest in aircraft, but I get the impression that unless you have a ticket to the Rolls Royce chalet you're not going to see anything interesting.

[Ridge Runner]

I just want to see aircraft on the ground up close and personal.

If that's what you want mate, go to Fairford or anywhere other than Farnborough..... an overblown event. It was great back in the 60's and70's but now? ... naargh!

RR

[Lighttown]

I have been to most of the Trade Days in the past, previously you could get free tickets from people in the industry but these are not easily available now. For the last years I purchased using my company's name and title (we do have customers in Aerospace) and I am a private pilot.

However, access to Static Aircraft has now become almost impossible unless invited which was not so in years past during trade days.
Trade Chalets are also for the invited who drink and eat, I often wonder does the cost repay in orders???

The trade stands in the Halls can be interesting but for me not as good as some years ago. Previously you could see a full simulator and even if lucky have a go.

I agree with previous replies the show doesn't have the buzz now plus many interesting new A/C from around the world are not there.

Public / Trade (Friday) and Public days are too busy for me.

Watch on TV perhaps if they feature ??

[mmitch]

They call the Friday 'Enthusiasts day' now. I have been then in past years but can't face the slog from the distant car parks now.The exhibition halls are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
mmitch.

[DaveReidUK]

However, access to Static Aircraft has now become almost impossible unless invited which was not so in years past during trade days.


While it's true that aircraft in the static park aren't generally open for everyone to sit in/walk through, in my experience it's perfectly possible if you're able to demonstrate an intelligent interest, and can find a sympathetic sales guy or minder, to get up close and personal to quite a few of the aircraft.

[Bear 555]

1. Polite, friendly requests are always well received (at our aircraft anyway!)

2. The exhibition halls are still interesting and quite seperate from the corporate gin-slinging lunches

3. While there is less display flying through the week, there are more 'routine' flights

4. Even if I wasn't working there I would still attend - like RIAT, Old Warden, Duxford and others - it's a magical place

5. Some of us (in the industry) are enthusiasts!


Cheers!