BAG strengthens international relationships, showcases UK airport infrastructure expertise and identifies new opportunities for member collaboration.
Farnborough International Airshow 2026 provided a valuable platform for the British Aviation Group (BAG) to connect with international delegations, airport leaders, government representatives and wider aviation stakeholders. Taking place from 20–24 July 2026, this year’s Airshow brought together the global aerospace and defence community at what organisers described as the largest and most ambitious edition in the event’s 78-year history.
For BAG, the week was focused on practical engagement: strengthening relationships with priority markets, highlighting the breadth of UK airport infrastructure capability, and opening conversations that can support future member activity. BAG Board members and the BAG Team used the opportunity to position the UK supply chain as a collaborative, innovative and trusted partner for airport development and aviation infrastructure projects around the world.
BAG at FIA 2026
Across the week, BAG participated in a varied programme of meetings, forums and roundtables. These engagements reflected BAG’s role as a connector between UK industry, airport clients, government partners and international markets, helping to ensure that member expertise is visible in the right conversations and aligned with emerging opportunities.
Strengthening global relationships
BAG’s programme included discussions with international delegations and airport representatives from markets including the United States, Egypt, Ethiopia, Morocco, New Zealand and Portugal. These meetings provided an opportunity to understand market priorities, explore potential collaboration and identify where BAG members may be able to contribute expertise across planning, design, delivery, operations, technology, sustainability and resilience.
In particular, meetings with airport and government stakeholders created space for BAG to discuss how UK companies can support airport development programmes, share knowledge on international best practice and build longer-term relationships beyond the Airshow itself.
Contributing to industry dialogue
BAG also engaged with wider thought-leadership activity taking place at FIA 2026, including the Airline Leaders Forum, the Netherlands / UK Zero Emissions Flying Forum, World Economic Forum roundtables on the future of aviation and sustainable and resilient aviation operations, and the FIA26 Roundtable on Risk and Reporting.
These discussions reinforced the importance of collaboration across industry, government and the supply chain to address shared challenges, from decarbonisation and operational resilience to emerging technologies, infrastructure readiness and long-term investment.
Creating value for BAG members
For BAG members, FIA 2026 was not only an opportunity to raise visibility but also a route to practical follow-up. The conversations held during the week will support BAG’s ongoing work with the Department for Business and Trade, international partners and airport stakeholders to identify where member companies can engage with future programmes and market opportunities.
The breadth of engagement also demonstrated the value of BAG’s collective voice. By bringing together the experience of the UK airport infrastructure supply chain, BAG is able to represent member capability in a coordinated way and help translate high-level conversations into more tangible opportunities for the membership.
Highlights from the week
• BAG at Airline Leaders Forum, 20 July 2026
• Meeting with CVG Airports CEO and CIO, 20 July 2026
• Meeting with DBT Ethiopia Country Director, 20 July 2026
• Meeting with DBT Morocco Country Director, 20 July 2026
• Meeting with Egyptian Aviation Minister, 21 July 2026
• Meeting with Alabama delegation, including Birmingham and Montgomery Airports, 21 July 2026
• BAG at Netherlands / UK Zero Emissions Flying Forum, 21 July 2026
• BAG at World Economic Forum roundtable on Policy and Technology: The Future of Aviation, 22 July 2026
• BAG at World Economic Forum roundtable on sustainable and resilient aviation operations, 22 July 2026
• Meeting with Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency, 22 July 2026
• BAG at FIA26 Roundtable on Risk and Reporting, 23 July 2026
Looking ahead
BAG will continue to follow up on the discussions held at FIA 2026 and work with members, government partners and international stakeholders to develop the most relevant opportunities. The Airshow underlined the importance of maintaining a strong UK aviation infrastructure presence on the global stage and ensuring that BAG members remain connected to the conversations shaping the future of airports and aviation.
Thank you to all BAG Board members, member companies, partners and stakeholders who supported and engaged with BAG throughout the week.
