A Russian Antonov An-124 Ruslan cargo aircraft prepares for take off at the Farnborough Airshow, south west of London, on July 19, 2018. AFP via Getty Images / ADRIAN DENNIS
Russia Banned from 2022 Farnborough Air Show
The July trade show is the year’s biggest for European manufacturers and customers of airliners and military aircraft.
Organizers have banned Russia from participating in this summer’s Farnborough Air Show in England, in response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
”Following the ongoing events taking place in Eastern Europe, we have made the decision to suspend Russian participation at the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow, taking place in July,” Farnborough International said in a brief statement posted on the event website. “Our hearts go out to the people of Ukraine, and everyone affected by the current situation. We continue to hope for a timely and peaceful resolution.”
The ban is the latest consequence of Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and a blow to Russian aerospace companies who use the biennial event to market their aircraft.
Russian firms usually have a sizable presence at the air and trade show, with a large corporate chalet for wining and dining clients, as well as pavilions inside the mammoth exhibit hall.
In recent years, Russia has largely showcased new commercial airliners and helicopters at Farnborough. It’s been trying to sell the MC-21, a commercial airliner similar in size to the Boeing 737 and Airbus A-320. But so far only one non-Russian airline has plans to operate the plane, which made its international debut at the Dubai Airshow in November.
The event typically draws tens of thousands of attendees, including high-level government officials from around the world. Billions of dollars in deals are usually announced by more than 1,500 exhibitors. This summer will be the first time the air show near London is being held since the coronavirus pandemic canceled the 2020 edition.