Airbus, Boeing and Embraer Lead a Powerful Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Order Wave, as Airlines, Lessors and Cargo Operators Commit to 342 New Aircraft Deals

Written By: Subhankar Chakraborty

Subhankar Chakraborty

I'm a content writer with a strong foundation in psychology and a passion for the travel and hospitality industry. Beyond timely reporting and contemporary narratives I bring a unique perspective to content creation, crafting stories that not only inform but also connect with readers on a deeper emotional level. I combine meticulous research, accuracy and compelling storytelling to deliver authentic, engaging and insightful content for a global audience.

See Full Bio

July 23, 2026 1:14 PM

Image generated with Ai

Firm aircraft commitments were reported to have reached 342 after the first three days of the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer positioned at the centre of a substantial commercial order wave. According to FlightGlobal, a further 57 preliminary agreements, options and purchase rights were recorded, while 30 passenger-to-freighter conversions were also announced. Strong demand from airlines, leasing companies and cargo operators was therefore reflected across several sections of the aviation market.

The third-day activity was built on 82 firm orders placed with Airbus, Boeing and Embraer during day two, as reported by Aerotime. Aircraft agreements worth US$21 billion were generated on the second day alone, according to industry group ADS. The total was reported to be 5 per cent higher than the value recorded on the equivalent day of the 2024 Farnborough event.

Through these results, the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was placed firmly at the centre of the global commercial aviation market. Demand was recorded for long-haul passenger aircraft, regional jets, freighters and conversion programmes. Business was secured from established airlines, aircraft lessors and specialist cargo operators, while fleet renewal and expansion plans were represented across different regions.

Airbus Orders Are Expanded as Delivery Guidance Is Maintained

A strong order presence was maintained by Airbus during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. New commitments were confirmed from customers in Asia, the Middle East and Bermuda. Philippine Airlines, which had ordered up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners on day two, placed an additional order for nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft on day three. The airline’s widebody commitments at the show were expanded through the separate agreements.

Further business was secured by Airbus from Flynas and BermudAir. Five additional A330neo aircraft were ordered by Saudi carrier Flynas. Meanwhile, a previously undisclosed order for 10 A220-300 aircraft was confirmed by Bermuda-based BermudAir. The two transactions were reported by FlightGlobal and Simple Flying.

Airbus chief executive Guillaume Faury indicated that the manufacturer’s 2026 delivery guidance had remained unchanged at the halfway point of the year. A target of approximately 870 aircraft deliveries by year end continued to be maintained. No adjustment to that guidance was announced during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

Boeing Widebody and Freighter Commitments Are Added

Additional passenger and cargo aircraft agreements were added to Boeing’s orderbook during the event. Boeing’s first order from Uganda Airlines was received, creating a new customer relationship for the manufacturer. However, the aircraft type and number connected with that agreement were not included in the supplied information.

In separate transactions, 15 Boeing 787-9 aircraft were ordered by leasing company AerCap. Five Boeing 777-8 Freighters were also ordered by MSC Air Cargo. Boeing’s position in the passenger and airfreight markets was strengthened by these commitments at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026.

A major commitment had already been received by Boeing from Philippine Airlines on day two, when up to 20 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners were ordered. A separate Airbus A350-1000 order was later placed by the carrier. As a result, the airline’s widebody fleet decisions were distributed across two major manufacturers during the show.

No aircraft order from an Australian airline had been reported by the end of day three. Before the event, Qantas had been identified by aviation intelligence company IBA as one of the carriers that could place a widebody order. Nevertheless, no agreement involving Qantas or another Australian operator had been confirmed by the show’s midpoint.

Embraer Regional Jet Sales and Wider Aviation Projects Are Advanced

Regional aircraft demand was represented by Embraer through orders for 28 E190-E2 and E195-E2 family jets. The aircraft were ordered across three operators: Abra Group, the parent company of Avianca and GOL; Spanish regional carrier Binter; and Luxembourg-based Luxair. Embraer was therefore placed alongside Airbus and Boeing among the principal manufacturers contributing to the 342 firm orders recorded after three days.

Commercial cooperation beyond aircraft sales was also advanced. A memorandum of understanding was signed between Etihad Airways and Abra Group. Under the agreement, expanded network ties were planned between Etihad and the Abra member airlines Avianca, GOL and Wamos Air.

Progress in propulsion technology was also announced. Ground testing of a hybrid-electric propulsion system and propeller was scheduled to be started by Pratt & Whitney Canada after several years of development. The system was then expected to be installed on an experimental Dash 8-100 aircraft, with its first flight planned for 2027.

By the end of day three, 342 firm aircraft orders had been recorded at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. A further 57 preliminary deals, options and purchase rights had been registered, together with 30 passenger-to-freighter conversions. Major commitments had been secured by Airbus, Boeing and Embraer, while partnership and technology programmes had also been progressed. The show was scheduled to close on 24 July.