Farnborough Airshow 2026 | Airshow Dispatches S09E04

Highlights from the first day of flying displays at the Farnborough International Airshow 2026. Displays at Farnborough are heavily restricted due to the encroachment of built-up areas very close to the airfield, but that didn't stop some great displays by cutting-edge aircraft. Highlights included the USAF F-35, Italian Typhoon, Airbus A350 and Embraer KC-390. There were world flying display debuts from the Bombardier Global 8000 and the Vertical VA-1X eVTOL. A fascinating glimpse into alternative forms of aviation was provided by the Beta Alia CX300 and General Electric's hybrid-eletric Saab 340B. Plus, the show hosted its first aerobatic display by a jet formation team in 14 years, the European debut of the Hongdu L-15 and the first ever British flying display appearance by a Chinese-designed jet aircraft when Fursan al Emarat took to the air. Video by Adam Landau