Boeing Stays Close To The Ground At Major UK Air Show

European planemaker Airbus plans to show off its newest passenger jet with daily flight demonstrations during one of the world’s biggest aviation trade fairs.

The Farnborough expo, held every other year in turn with the Paris Air Show, is a venue for aerospace companies to showcase their newest technological developments. I Photo: Airbus Facebook

However, an ongoing safety and manufacturing crisis has rival Boeing keeping a lower profile at the Farnborough International Air Show (FIA), Kelvin Chan reported for the Associated Press (AP).

The U.S. company isn’t bringing any jetliners to participate in aerial displays at the event that kicks off Monday near London.

Ahead of the show’s opening, Boeing stated it remained focused on satisfying the concerns of U.S. regulators and “meeting our customer commitments” rather than selling many planes.

Boeing Global President Brendan Nelson said in a news release that the company has “reduced our commercial airplanes display and flight demonstrations at the show, and will focus on new technology, sustainability, security, and services solutions.”

Chief Operating Officer Stephanie Pope said Boeing was focused on “predictable deliveries” of jets to airline customers and getting production of its 737 Max jets back up to 38 per month.

“This is transformational change. And you all know we have slowed down our factories pretty significantly to execute that change,” Pope, who also serves as chief executive of Boeing’s commercial airplanes division, told reporters.

The FIA, held every other year in turn with the Paris Air Show, is a venue for aerospace companies to showcase their newest technological developments and for manufacturers to announce a flurry of orders for new passenger, cargo, and military aircraft.

Organizers expect about 1,500 exhibitors from 42 countries and 80,000 visitors during the weeklong event.