About Farnborough:
• Farnborough History
• Farnborough Dates
• Farnborough Participating Aircraft
Location:
• Google Map
• County: Hampshire
• Satnav Postcode: GU14 6AZ
Travel Information:
• Directions - Enter your postcode
• AA Route Finder
• RAC Route Finder
• National Rail
• National Express
Accommodation:
• Travelodge
• Premier Inn
Weather Forecast:
• General UK weather forecast
• Local weather Met Office
• Local weather BBC
Farnborough Photographs:
• Photos Farnborough 2018
• Photos Farnborough 2016
• Photos Farnborough 2014
• Photos Farnborough 2010
• Photos Farnborough 2008
• Photos Farnborough 2006
• Photos Farnborough 2000
General Information:
• Farnborough Scanner Frequencies
• Checklists
• Checklist Farnborough 2000
Official Website & Links:
• Official Farnborough Website
• Official Farnborough Facebook
• Official Farnborough Twitter
Museum:
• Farnborough Air Sciences Trust Museum
UK Airshows 2024:
UK Airshows (England):
• Shuttleworth Airshows
• Duxford Airshows
• Royal International Air Tattoo
• Farnborough Airshow
• RAF Cosford Airshow
• Flying legends Airshow
• Abingdon Air & Country Show
• Midlands Air Festival
• Little Gransden Airshow
• Airbourne (Eastbourne) Airshow
• Southport Airshow
• Clacton Airshow
• Bournemouth Air Festival
• Blackpool Airshow
• English Riviera Airshow
• Teignmouth Airshow
• Headcorn Battle of Britain
• Old Buckenham Airshow
• East Kirkby Airshow
UK Airshows (Wales):
• Wales National Air Show
• Rhyl Air Show
UK Airshows (Scotland):
• International Ayr Show
UK Airshows (Channel Islands):
• Jersey International Air Display
• Guernsey Air Display
Flypasts/Events 2024:
• King's Birthday Flypast
Farnborough History
Farnborough is the oldest active airfield in the UK. In 1905 the British Army's Balloon School was formed here. In World War 1 a number of RFC and RNAS aircraft, airship, and balloon squadrons were based here. The site has been associated with aircraft and airships since 1908 when the Balloon Equipment Store was moved from Greenwich and renamed the HM Balloon Factory. In 1908 the first powered flight in Great Britain was made at Farnborough, by a man called Cowboy Cody. Cowboy Cody is recorded as having flown just over 304 metre (1000 feet) at 20 miles per hour (32km per hour).
The Royal Aircraft Factory was also based here which engaged in design and construction of aircraft for the War Office. They also did research and development (R&D) work which after the war assumed a growing importance. Most of the aeroplanes built during the First World War were built at Farnborough. During World War II there was development work in all areas such as bomb sights, camera equipment, and rocket projectiles. Captured enemy aircraft were also evaluated here.
After the war Farnborough had established itself as the world's foremost aerospace R&D institution and also gained prestige through its hosting of the biennial 10 day air show which concludes with a public air display on the final weekend. The sound barrier was also broken at Farnborough in 1948 by John Derry.
Today, the airport is home to a number of the UK's largest business jet companies, including Gama Aviation Executive Jet Charter and Bookajet. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch also has its head office in Farnborough House, located in a compound within Farnborough Airport.
Farnborough Airfield has been home to the Farnborough Airshow since 1948, when it opened its gates to the public for the first time.
The show organisers announced in March 2019 that there would be no more separate public days from 2020 onwards. The show would be reduced from 7 to 5 days, dropping the entire weekend section. Instead, they will offer access to the public on Fridays.
Farnborough Airshow 2020 was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic but returned in 2022.