FlightGlobal Focus

From the sidelines of the 2026 Farnborough air show last week, our editors and reporters break down the stories that dominated this year's exhibition. From commercial aircraft and engine orders to hybrid-electric technology development and defence announcements, we tell you all you might have missed.

This year's Farnborough air show kicks off as airlines grapple with the fallout from the Middle East conflict.
Meanwhile, governments around the world are seeking to dramatically expand the production of defence equipment amid geopolitical volatility.
The entire FlightGlobal team is at Farnborough this week to cover the news as it happens. In this episode, find out what the key themes are this year, in defence, aerospace and airlines.
FlightGlobal's Americas defence reporter Ryan Finnerty joins defence managing editor Greg Waldron, Asia airlines editor Alfred Chua and aerospace managing editor Jon Hemmerdinger this week.

One of two engine choices for the Boeing 787, the Trent 1000 has faced durability challenges as thrust demands have increased across the Dreamliner fleet. However, the manufacturer has been working hard on a series of enhancements that it is now rolling out, leading to dramatic improvements to time on wing.
In an interview with Murdo Morrison, Rachel Walker, senior vice-president for the Trent 1000, explains how the programme is progressing, and why Rolls-Royce is convinced it is already changing perceptions of the product.

This week, we discuss EasyJet and look at the ongoing acquisition attempts of the European low-cost operator. Plus, we examine the key issues and themes as airlines prepare to report their financial results. 
FlightGlobal’s Europe airlines reporter Kerry Reals and contributing airlines editor Graham Dunn join Asia airlines editor Alfred Chua to discuss these developments.

Horizon Aircraft CEO Brandon Robinson joins FlightGlobal Focus to explain why he views Horizon's somewhat unique hybrid VTOL strategy as a winner. Unlike rivals pursuing short-range, battery-powered air taxi concepts, Horizon is targeting regional missions with its hybrid-electric Cavorite X7, an aircraft designed to carry six passengers on flights up to 400nm. Robinson insists the X7's enclosed lift fans and turbine-electric architecture will provide operational flexibility and lower operating costs than helicopters while sidestepping limitations facing all-electric VTOLs.