Farnborough International Airshow and the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom were both due to take place in July.
The Farnborough trade event attracts 80,000 visitors while the tattoo is the UK’s biggest military aviation event.
The five-day Farnborough International Airshow was scheduled to begin on 20 July at the Hampshire airport. It is the UK’s biggest commercial aerospace event - the 2018 show saw £145.7bn ($192bn) worth of deals concluded, with more than 1,500 exhibitors and 80,000 visitors from 112 countries.
Organizers of the trade show blamed the “unprecedented impact” of the corona pandemic for the decision to cancel this year’s show and said the biennial event would return in 2022.
The statement said: “It is with great regret that we announce the Farnborough International Airshow 2020, due to take place in July, is cancelled.
After very careful consideration, the unprecedented impact of the global Coronavirus pandemic has forced this decision in the interests of the health and safety of our exhibitors, visitors, contractors and staff.
This decision was reached taking into consideration several major factors surrounding the outbreak of COVID-19, all of which we have concluded, make it is impossible for us to create and host the Airshow this July.
We understand this news will be an incredible disappointment to all across the international aerospace industry, not to mention our important exhibitors, suppliers and visitors. We at Farnborough International share your disappointment that we are unable to present the Airshow as planned , but rest assured, we are determined to continue to work together and will ensure the Farnborough International Airshow returns in 2022 better than ever.
It’s important to us that we speak directly to anyone who may have concerns about the Airshow’s cancellation; however, we are a small team and it may take a few days for us to make contact. We appreciate your patience, these are incredibly difficult times but we are absolutely committed to maintaining strong relationships.”
