Showgoers stopping for a coffee in Hall 2 could find out a lot more about the industry's heritage - they are in the 'airspace' of the Duxford air museum which is using Farnborough and the coffee shop to raise awareness of its aviation complex.
The museum is part of the UK's Imperial War Museum and is a great place to visit. Set in the Cambridgeshire countryside close to London's Stansted Airport, Duxford is one of the most spectacular aviation complexes in the world.
Once a Battle of Britain fighter base, home of Douglas Bader's 242 Squadron and later of the US 8th Air Force, Duxford is a living and working museum.
Its latest project is AirSpace - a vision of the future for aviation.
AirSpace will tell the story of Britain's aviation and aerospace industry and commemorate the remarkable achievements of the past. Duxford staff say the exhibition will "stir the imagination, evoke pride in our nation's achievements and stimulate minds to play a part in the future of British aviation, engineering and technology".
The tradition of innovation will be seen in the military and civil aircraft that will be housed in AirSpace, including an example of Concorde.
More than 30 classic British and Commonwealth aircraft will be featured in the 10,000m2 (100,000ft2) exhibition area. There will also be a dedicated area for conservation and restoration of aircraft, as well as a much-needed centre for learning. This prestigious £21.5 million project is due for completion at the end of 2006.
The Heritage Lottery Fund has allocated £9 million to the project and the East of England Development Agency a further £995,000. BAE Systems will also participate in AirSpace with a special display.
Source: Flight Daily News