The 49th Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) will help mark a memorable summer in the UK next year as the eyes of the world focus on the biennial FIA ahead of the London 2012 Olympic Games. In 2010, Farnborough attracted some 250,000 visitors over a period of seven days and hosted 1,455 exhibitors from 40 countries. As always, logistics will present organizers with an enormous test, but visitors can rest assured that the show team will do all it can to again meet the challenge.

Meanwhile, Farnborough International continues to work with the Civil Aviation Authority and Olympic Air Restrictions Committee to secure special dispensation from the airspace restrictions put in place as a security measure for the Olympics so the airshow can stage its four-hour flying displays during the public weekend on July 14 and 15.

On the final trade day, July 13, Farnborough International will celebrate its first Jubilee Day, marking a number of initiatives, including an educational youth program known as Futures Day. The organizers plan to extend invitations to attend the show to exhibitors’ guests and family members, as well as a limited number of interested public attendees, to allow them to experience some of the exhibits only showcased on trade days.

Managed by UK aerospace, defense and security industry trade association ADS, Futures Day is meant to encourage young people ranging in age from 11 to 21 to follow a carrier path in aerospace. Farnborough International plans to invite schools and colleges to participate in the day’s lineup of activities, including a careers exhibition, seminars and discussion workshops, meetings with pilots, engineers and young professionals.  –G.P.