48th Farnborough International Airshow set to welcome record visitor numbers

Britain’s favourite air spectacular returns to the summer events calendar this week as the Farnborough International Airshow kicks off in Farnborough, Hampshire.

The air show is the biggest outdoor event in the UK this year barring the Olympic Games and the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Over 250,000 visitors from around the world are expected to visit this year’s show, including 130,000 for the public show to experience a weekend of family entertainment at its most thrilling.

The highlight of the show promises to be the spectacular 5 hour flying display on Saturday and Sunday 14 & 15^th July. Aerobatic teams demonstrating incredible precision flying at Farnborough 2012 include the incomparable Red Arrows, the Breitling Jet Team and the Blades Aerobatic Display Team.

Additional airborne entertainment comes courtesy of the much loved Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and crowd favourite the Avro Vulcan, contrasting with the cutting edge technology of the Yak 130, the AAC Apache Helicopter and the giant passenger jets, the Airbus A380.

On the ground, crowds can get up close to see the future of commercial space travel as Farnborough hosts the first European public appearance of Virgin Galactic’s SpaceShipTwo replica. A prototype Mars Rover named ‘Bridget’ will also be on show in the show’s Space Zone in Hall 3 where the public may have the chance to meet a real astronaut.

Over 50 aircraft will be on static display across the weekend and together with a range of exhilarating rides, interactive exhibits, prototype cars, flight simulators, extreme sports demonstrations and restaurants and cafes to suit every taste, the 48th Farnborough International Airshow promises to be an unbeatable family day out. And what’s more kids go free!

Taking place every second year, the scale and popularity of the show continues to have a positive impact on the economy with an independent report estimating a contribution of over £30 million. This is reflected by the importance placed on the event by senior government ministers. Set to appear during the event’s trade show week are Minister for Business & Enterprise Mark Prisk MP, Minister for Universities and Science David Willetts MP, Philip Hammond MP Secretary of State for Defence and Security and Justine Greening, Secretary of State for Transport.

For full list of attractions and ticket details for the Farnborough International Airshow please visit www.farnborough.com