The Global Business team at the Alabama Department of Commerce, along with Export Alabama, is organizing an international business development mission to the Farnborough International Airshow, July 18-25, 2026.
The Farnborough International Airshow is a premier biennial aerospace, aviation, and defense exhibition held each July at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, bringing together global industry leaders, governments, and innovators. The event is internationally recognized for major aircraft unveilings, multibillion-dollar commercial and defense orders, and its role as a key platform for shaping trends in civil aviation, defense, and advanced aerospace technologies. With thousands of exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees, the Farnborough International Airshow is a prime opportunity for Alabama aerospace firms to renew existing relationships, form new partnerships, and showcase their cutting-edge technologies to a global audience.
The Made in Alabama booth at the Farnborough International Airshow will offer a unique platform for Alabama firms to present their innovative products, exchange ideas, and connect with potential customers, partners, and investors from across the globe. Whether it’s cutting-edge aircraft technologies, advanced avionics, or aerospace services, Alabama’s companies have a wealth of expertise and solutions to offer to the international aerospace community.
By participating in the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, Alabama businesses will not only solidify their standing in the global aerospace community but will also unlock opportunities for future collaboration, innovation, and expansion while positioning the state as a leader in the evolving aerospace and defense markets.
In-Country Schedule
Saturday, July 18
Depart US for UK
Sunday, July 19
Arrive UK
Time to Acclimate
Monday, July 20
Alabama Welcome Breakfast & Briefing Farnborough International Airshow
Alabama Aerospace Reception
Tuesday, July 21
Farnborough International Airshow
Wednesday, July 22
Farnborough International Airshow
Thursday, July 23
Farnborough International Airshow
Friday, July 24
Farnborough International Airshow
Saturday, July 25
Depart UK for US
*Note: The final schedule will be provided by the Alabama Department of Commerce upon confirmation and is subject to change.
Participation Requirements/Conditions of Participation
All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below. A maximum of 5 firms from the application pool will be selected to participate in the mission. Direct questions can be received by David Sides at david.sides@commerce.alabama.gov / (334) 990-6498.
Selection Criteria:
- Staff Commitment & Responsiveness
- Sales Potential & Objectives
- Market Fit & Sector Relevance
- Product/Service Export Viability
- Company Export Experience
- Operational & Financial Capacity
Fees and Expenses
The participation fee to co-exhibit in the Made in Alabama pavilion at Farnborough is $6,000 for small- and mid-sized businesses. Funding assistance may be available for eligible firms. Expenses for travel, lodging, meals, and incidentals will be the responsibility of each mission participant. Interpreter and driver services for business appointments can be arranged for additional costs.
If a visa is required to travel on a particular mission, applying for and obtaining such a visa will be the responsibility of the mission participant. Instructions on the procedures required to obtain business visas will be shared with each participant.
Trade mission delegates participate in trade missions and undertake mission-related travel at their own risk. The nature of the security situation in each foreign market at a given time cannot be guaranteed. The U.S. Department of State issues U.S. Government international travel alerts and warnings for U.S. citizens available at https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings.html.
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