Mike Martin
What a grand ball it was, but was it taking place on the Titanic?
Farnborough '98 smashed every record out of sight, just as the 1996 event had done. That year saw $12 billion dollars worth of business nailed: This year the figure beat $20 billion.
The tally on orders ticked faster than the meter in a London taxi: Airbus Industrie, nearly $12 billion; Boeing, $6 billion plus; Embraer, $2.5 billion; Lucas, $1 billion; Bombardier, $700 million-
If it was under $100 million, it was small change.
So, what can cloud such financial success?
Rollercoaster
The economic rollercoaster in Asia-Pacific, followed by the collapse of the Russian economy and uncertainty in Latin America have raised fears of global depression. Can the so-called American "economic paradigm" and the generally robust European economies hold back the tide?
It certainly seemed that way this week. The frantic air of an industry in a hurry was complemented by the sight of so many historic aircraft, here to mark the 50th anniversary of the show. Heritage and continuity trailed in the wake of the Avro Avian and the Lockheed Constellation.
The heirs to this noble tradition were sensational too: "The Eurofighter Typhoon blew away its critics in a thrilling display; the Bombardier Global Express opened a new chapter in corporate travel; and the Lockheed C-130J was a star turn.
More coming
Even the less than clement weather could not detract from a great show.
There was a raft of new aircraft on the ground and there are more coming, judging by the announcements at Farnborough.
Gulfstream is looking again at a supersonic business jet and everybody else plans to build a 100-seater/regional jet. Some may even do it.
In this vibrant atmosphere, British Aerospace took the concept of the "one-stop shop" exhibit to a new level. It was arguably the best exhibit of any air show ever - comprehensive and stylish. The only problem was having to yomp a mile to it from the heart of the show.
Just when you were convinced that those endless pugilistic extravaganzas, the Rocky films were based on the airshow battles of titans Boeing and Airbus Industrie, they rewrote the script. The twin pillars of the civil side were not in the market for attacks on each other this year. Their preoccupations are internal. Airbus Industrie is looking to embrace Single Corporate Entity status while enjoying its longed-for 50% of the market. Boeing put a brave face on its troubles, which culminated in the firing of head of Boeing Commercial Ron Woodard - a major talking point of the show.
Boeing president Harry Stonecipher promised to focus on performance and rid itself of any taint of arrogance.
The most delightfully strange press conference - at Boeing - suggests the medicine is working. A Sri Lankan start-up airline, PeaceAir, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to buy a Boeing 747-400 combi.
Instrument
Peace Air plans to donate 80% of its profits to charity and its people believe in prayer. Chairman Gamini Wettasinghe sees the airline as an instrument to promote peace on his island. When asked to say a few words.
And so, on to Paris, hopefully with a smile and with fantastic memories of a vintage Farnborough. But possibly with an eye open for icebergs.
Source: Flight Daily News
