For most visitors, the Farnborough International Airshow is all about the spectacle.
It’s the roar of fast jets, the debut of groundbreaking aircraft and breathtaking flying displays that capture the imagination. But while the action in the sky lasts only minutes, an enormous amount of work happens behind the scenes to make every display possible.
As the team responsible for providing air traffic control at Farnborough Airport throughout the Airshow, we’re managing one of the most complex airspace environments in the UK. Alongside the display aircraft, we’re also accommodating business aviation, coordinating with neighbouring airports and helping ensure the wider UK air traffic network continues to operate safely and efficiently.
It’s a challenge unlike any other – and one we start preparing for almost as soon as the previous Airshow ends.
Months of planning for moments in the sky
Planning for an event of this scale is a year-round effort.
Working closely with Farnborough Airport, Farnborough International, the Civil Aviation Authority, military operators and colleagues across the wider NATS network, we develop detailed operational plans covering everything from display rehearsals and temporary airspace arrangements to contingency procedures and daily coordination.
During the Airshow itself, controllers receive specialist briefings, additional resources are brought in, and dedicated airspace is activated only when needed for the flying display.
What visitors don’t see is just how many teams are involved. Making the Airshow happen requires close collaboration between colleagues at Farnborough, NATS’ Terminal Control, Heathrow, the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) and the Flow Management Position (FMP).
It’s a fantastic example of different parts of NATS coming together to deliver something truly special.
Photo taken from the Farnborough control tower by Jonathan Young, Customers Airport Safety Manager.
Keeping the skies moving
The flying display may appear effortless, but it’s supported by constant coordination behind the scenes.
During display periods, a dedicated block of airspace is created exclusively for the display aircraft. This allows pilots to perform safely while other aircraft are routed around the activity.
What many people don’t realise is that the UK’s wider aviation network continues operating throughout the Airshow. Commercial aircraft are still arriving and departing from Heathrow and Gatwick, business aviation continues using Farnborough between display slots, and thousands of other flights continue across UK airspace.
Balancing those very different operations is one of the biggest challenges we face.
Throughout the event, we’re in constant communication with colleagues across the NATS network, carefully sequencing traffic and adapting procedures as required. If another aircraft ever needs priority access to the airspace, established procedures allow us to pause a display safely and quickly.
Photos taken from the Farnborough control tower by Jonathan Young, Customers Airport Safety Manager.
Supporting innovation safely
One of the highlights of this year’s Airshow was seeing the latest generation of low-emission aircraft take to the skies.
From electric aircraft to new propulsion technologies, Farnborough continues to showcase the future of aviation. While these aircraft are handled using the same safety standards as any other flight, their experimental nature sometimes requires additional operational flexibility.
Our role is to create the conditions that allow innovation to flourish while continuing to manage the airspace safely and efficiently for everyone using it.
As new aircraft technologies enter service over the coming years, that experience will become increasingly valuable.
It’s all about the people
While we invest significant time in planning to ensure everyone is in the right place at the right time, it’s ultimately our people who make the Airshow a success.
From the controllers in the tower to colleagues across the wider NATS operation, hundreds of people work together to ensure the event runs safely and smoothly while the rest of the UK’s aviation system keeps moving.
For me, that’s what makes Farnborough so special.
Visitors see incredible aircraft and unforgettable displays. I see dedicated professionals working together to deliver one of the world’s greatest airshows safely, efficiently and seamlessly.
I’m incredibly proud of what the team achieves every two years, and grateful to every colleague who plays their part in making the Farnborough International Airshow another success.
