More than 1,400 aircraft orders and commitments were made at the Farnborough International Airshow 2018, as the global aerospace industry sees continuing high demand (www.farnboroughairshow.com).

The value of these aircraft and engines is about $190 billion (bettered only by the 2014 show), which will benefit the UK to the tune of some $28 billion, as orders are fulfilled in the coming years.

Announcements by Prime Minister Theresa May and senior cabinet Ministers on the first days of the show included R&D and innovation projects worth £343 million, a new Combat Air Strategy, and a new UK vertical-launch spaceport in Sutherland — plus development funding for horizontal-launch sites in Cornwall, Wales and Prestwick.

Meanwhile, astronaut Major Tim Peake launched a public competition to name the UK-built Mars Rover at Futures Day, where young people experienced a day of activities designed to encourage their study of STEM subjects and future careers in engineering sectors like aerospace and defence.

Paul Everitt, chief executive of ADS (the trade organisation for companies in the UK aerospace, defence, security and space sectors), said: “This has been a fantastic Farnborough International Airshow, where we have seen great confidence in the global aerospace industry and important announcements that will support future investment in the UK’s high-value aerospace, defence and space industries.

"This has been the most international show in our history, and the best place for both UK exhibitors and our overseas visitors to showcase their capability and plans for the future — at the most important aerospace event of the year.”