Meet some of the 1,500 exhibitors at one of the world’s largest aerospace and defense trade shows, which opened in Hampshire today. In a speech, Mr Johnson said: “I am delighted to finally be at Farnborough, this famous air show, in the top weeks of my time as Prime Minister.” Mr Johnson will later meet British astronaut Tim Peake and Dr Paul Bate, chief executive of the UK Space Agency. It will also see an electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. The event is usually held every two years, but the coronavirus pandemic means this is the first time it has been held since 2018. Deals worth a total of 161 billion pounds (US$192 billion) were agreed at the latest report, according to organizers. More than 80,000 visitors from 96 countries are expected to attend this week’s five-day event. Much of the focus will be on commercial manufacturing giants Airbus and Boeing. Mr Johnson is in Farnborough at a time when he is being criticized for not leading Cobra meetings in response to extreme temperatures. The prime minister is due to step down in September after a new Tory leader is elected. The summer recess of the House of Commons begins on Friday.
