The Farnborough Air Show kicks off with deals worth $51 billion as Airbus showcases its new long-haul aircraft.

Crisis-hit Boeing, which was seen keeping a low profile at the event by continuing its recent practice of avoiding commercial airshows, nevertheless remained in the main booth and was quickly boosted to from several commands. Korean Air has signed an order for 40 widebody planes from the American airliner, while Japan Airlines has made a firm order for 10 of its 787-9 Dreamliners, with an option for 10 more.

Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet placed an order for 20 Airbus A330neo aircraft on Monday.

Meanwhile, Airbus caught the attention of thousands of business representatives with a morning demonstration of the soon-to-be-launched A321XLR, which will be the world’s longest single-aisle aircraft.

The jet received European certification on Friday and is being eagerly awaited by a number of airlines including Ireland’s Aer Lingus and Spain’s Iberia, for its ability to cover long-haul routes previously used by many people. , with lower fuel costs.

The expected first delivery of the A321XLR in the third quarter, almost a year after it was originally scheduled to take place, highlights one of the biggest issues going on in the airline industry – delays which is in progress of moving the goods and stopping the supply of goods.

In recent years, Farnborough – which was held every two years alternating with the Paris Air Show – has confirmed its role as an event that makes partnerships and an industry exhibition, with limited air shows. and joint exhibitions. In 2019, it announced that it would leave part of the event week open to the general public.

A large number of startups working across electric eVTOLS (vertical and vertical electric vehicles), hydrogen-powered aircraft and other next-generation projects were prominent at the event. Boom Supersonic, which is working to bring back supersonic air travel, is due to make an announcement Tuesday.

China’s Comac – seen as a potential competitor to the likes of Airbus and Boeing in the future – had a large low-key display with smaller versions of its body narrow C919, C929 wide-body and ARJ21 regional jets, including various cabin configurations. .

The company said it was holding discussions at the event, but declined to comment on which airlines or markets it is targeting with its planes, which are currently only confirmed in China. Officials from several countries were seen on the company’s platform, although it was a quieter affair at Comac than at the Singapore Air Show earlier this year, when it made its first international display of C919 and announced an aircraft order from China’s Tibet Airlines.

Military technology continues to be one of the biggest features at Farnborough, with aircraft including the US Air Force’s F-15E Strike Eagle, Boeing’s F-15QA and the British Army Chinook heard roaring overhead throughout the afternoon. .

Farnborough managed to attract the new UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to the opening speech, focusing mainly on his views on the importance of the joint fighter jet project between the UK, Japan and Italy.

The incoming Labor government led by Starmer has announced a review of the Global Combat Air Programme, established under former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, by 2023, leading to speculation that the project could be scrapped by the UK. .

Deal-making and negotiations will continue throughout the five-day event, which concludes Friday.