Farnborough Aerospace Consortium celebrates 25th anniversary

One of the country’s leading aerospace trade associations has celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reception for its past and present members.

Farnborough Aerospace Consortium (FAC) represents hundreds of businesses mainly in the south and south-east but also across the country and internationally. Guests at its silver anniversary were given a tour of its new building within the Aerospace Research and Innovation Centre (ARIC) on the Farnborough College of Technology campus.

It contains space for start-up businesses and also a ready supply of keen students studying engineering and related subjects. As ever at FAC events there was plenty of time for networking, and members discussed the recent conference.

FAC chief executive officer Alan Fisher said: “Collaboration is fundamental to the future of the aerospace industry, which means trade bodies are even more important. Over 25 years we have grown and developed and offer members so much in terms of business support, networking, events, growth opportunities, market intelligence and connections with the huge, global businesses.

“Our new home in Farnborough means the future is already here. The college teaches STEM subjects that are relevant to our sector, and we have space for start-ups to work from.

“Showing our members around the building created a buzz of excitement and envy that such facilities didn’t exist during their years in college or formative years in business. The college even includes a Cessna aircraft and the talent that it produces will help power the sector in the years to come.

“We are determined to help keep Britain and the forefront of the aerospace sector and the next 25 years will see a huge change within the industry as everyone pushes for net-zero.”

In the year FAC was founded British Airways upset many with its new multi-ethnic livery, which was quickly abandoned. Also in 1997 Boeing and McDonnell Douglas merged, forming The Boeing Company, and the firm’s 777-300 was introduced in September. At 242 feet (73 metres) it was the longest airliner ever built.

By Mark Adair – Correspondent, Bdaily