Farnborough Aerospace Consortium

An Introduction by Alan Fisher, FAC CEO

Southeast England is a crucial hub for the UK’s aerospace industry, especially in 2024. The region hosts a cluster of major airports, solidifying its role as a key center for this sector. It is vital in fostering innovation, research, and development within aerospace.

The area’s commitment to advanced technology and its accessibility to significant infrastructure position it as an attractive venue for aerospace enterprises.

This advantageous environment has fostered a dynamic ecosystem that comprises not only leading industry giants like Airbus, BAE Systems, Qinetiq, Safran, and Gulfstream but also a thriving network of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that enhance the overall vitality and competitiveness of the UK’s aerospace landscape.

Additionally, initiatives such as the government’s Aerospace Sector Deal, the National Aerospace Technology Exploitation Programme, and the newly inaugurated Aerospace Technology Institute SME Programme have been established to bolster innovation throughout the UK, particularly in the southeast, ensuring the region plays a vital role in the sector’s expansion and global prominence.

Farnborough occupies a prestigious place in the aerospace field, being the host of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA), the premier event that unites the most innovative and influential representatives from the aerospace, aviation, and defense sectors. This airshow serves as an international platform for companies to present their latest advancements and engage in transformative collaborations and partnerships.

Farnborough’s influence goes beyond the airshow; it stands as a center for aerospace research and development, housing numerous companies and institutions committed to enhancing the UK’s reputation as a leader in aerospace innovation. The town’s historical significance as the “birthplace of aviation” and its continued contributions render it a symbolic and strategically vital location for the growth and evolution of the aerospace industry.

FAC is dedicated to assisting its members in securing new business opportunities in the global marketplace. We have developed a market-leading program, in collaboration with Kingston University, that showcases our members' capabilities in a well-structured and accessible manner. This program is actively utilized by major global companies to identify new suppliers. As a result, FAC is uniquely positioned to grasp the needs of international organizations, shape research initiatives, and empower small to medium-sized enterprises to present solutions that enhance their overall potential to secure new opportunities.

Our aim is to provide a low annual membership fee and a wide range of ‘value added’ services to members. If you are interested in joining us please give us a call on 07903 998058.

2025 Membership Plans

This year, FAC is focused on enhancing and expanding its membership programs to assist new businesses, emerging sector companies, consultants, and international groups, organizations, and individuals in collaborating with the Farnborough consortium. Our goal is to broaden our membership into new technologies and regions while attracting individuals who appreciate and acknowledge Farnborough's significant impact on aviation. To achieve this, we are introducing several new membership plans.

• Business Membership Plans - our standard, full membership program (with a scale of annual fees determined by business size.
• Affiliate Partner and Partner Groups - a pay monthly plan for businesses, groups, and people internationally and in the UK that work with and in aerospace - and who wish to partner with UK and specifically other members of FAC.
• Associate Membership - a free plan designed to enable UK and International businesses, groups and people to be kept up to date with news, and participate in select events.

FAC Portal 2025

This year will see the introduction of a membership portal - a secure area for members to login and find information, updates, news and other resources; search for, find, and contact other members; access programs and collaborate with our community. The portal features:

• Full Membership Directory
• Mobile App Version (NEW)
• Marketing Platform
• Products & Services Directory
• Marketplace for Member Promotions
• Professional Services Directory including Legal, Finance, Recruitment, R&D, Digital, more...
• Specialist Business Sections for Airports, Space, Defence, eVTOL, Sustainability and Renewables
• Comprehensive International Network of Cluster Partners in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Networking Events in 2025

As a member you will be able to both attend events, and propose sponsored events for other members. To demonstrate the types of events we host, support, and promote, here are a small number of examples:

• Meet the Buyer (hosted by MBDA)
• FAC Networking Dinners
• Golf Days
• The FAC Annual Conference
• The FAC / Italian Trade Agency Joint Webinar

FAC 2025 Programs

FAC has a set of programs for members to access and participate in. The 2025 set of programs include:

• UK Defence Technology Exploitation Progam
• Supply Chain Competitiveness
• Jet Zero
• UK Defence Supplier Capability Development
• ATI SME Program

FAC is a ‘not for profit company’ limited by guarantee – we are here to further the prosperity of our members – not ourselves.

A business member plan with VIP sponsorship,  advertising, and promotional benefits

Our long standing membership scheme with a scale of annual fees depending upon business size.

• 3 Month Plan
• 1 Speaking Opportunity
• 2 Content Placements
• Dedicated and Enhanced Business Profile
• Social Media Launch
• Portal Advertising for 6 Months

• 1 Month Plan
• 1 Content Placement
• Dedicated and Enhanced Business Profile
• Newsletter Launch
• Portal Advertising for 3 Months

Basic Membership Business Details

Enhanced Membership Business Details

Detailed Business Capability Profiling

Business Products & Services Information