Boeing and Airbus Secure Major Orders at Farnborough Airshow

The Farnborough Airshow opened on July 20, 2026, in England with a record 1,600 exhibitors. The event marked a significant shift toward military technology, with defense companies comprising half of the attendees due to increased global spending driven by conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The Boeing Company secured orders for 100 737 MAX jets from SMBC Aviation Capital, 15 787-10 Dreamliners from Philippine Airlines, and 28 787s from Riyadh Air. Airbus SE secured six A350-1000s from Riyadh Air and is expected to receive an order for approximately 100 narrowbody jets from SMBC Aviation Capital. Combined orders for the two manufacturers are expected to exceed 300, though this falls short of some analyst forecasts of 800 or more due to ongoing supply-chain constraints.

In the defense and technology sectors, Lockheed Martin announced the PAC-3 Adapted Capability Effector, a lower-cost interceptor for countering drones and missiles, while MBDA launched a new interceptor targeting low-cost munitions. Additionally, GE Aerospace partnered with NASA and BETA Technologies on high-altitude hybrid-electric propulsion flight. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman confirmed that the Artemis III mission remains on track for next year.