According to the organisers of Farnborough International 2005, deals worth $100 million were announced by exhibitors in the Business Aircraft Park (BAP).

The new development, designed to offer business aviation exhibitors a higher profile arena, as well as

not requiring their attendance for the public days, was well received by exhibitors, the majority of

whom have shown their enthusiasm for an extension of the concept for the 2006 show.

There was a steady throughput of visitors to the extensive static display, and while the exhibition area was quieter, the visitor quality was excellent.

Wentworth Affiliates had a booth and an aircraft on display, and reported strong interest at both locations. Ceo Wendy Beirwirth told EBAN: “We received two offers, still very much in play, on the former Head of State 727 we displayed in the static area. We advanced two airliner conversion projects, and finalised arrangements for promotion of a new vip 747SP fractional programme.”

Farnborough has the ability to attract visitors at the highest level. Wendy Beirwirth explained: “Governments own half the world’s vip airliners. Their delegations, already attending Farnborough for military and government aircraft, can now use Farnborough to view government vip transport and discuss conversions as well.”

While dates for the 2006 Farnborough International have still to be finalised, there will definitely be another Business Aircraft Park. It is likely to be integrated more into the main show site, but retaining the ‘show within a show’ format. Show organisers SBAC expect to make announcements at this year’s NBAA convention in October.