FlightGlobal Focus

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.

Steve Parker has been at the helm of Boeing Defense, Space & Security since 2024, first on an interim basis and later as the permanent chief executive officer.

A Boeing insider of more than 30 years, Parker stepped into the role at a time of tremendous uncertainty for the company. Its fighter manufacturing business was looking shaky, the world was questioning whether helicopters still had a role in modern combat, and poorly structured, fixed-price contracts from the 2010s were generating billions of dollars in losses.

Nearly two years later, the picture couldn’t be more stark.

Demand for precision munitions is booming. There is renewed interest in existing platforms like the AH-64E attack helicopter and F-15EX fighter, and Boeing secured a massive contract to produce the new F-47 sixth-generation fighter.

Boeing has also emerged as a leader in the development of uncrewed jet aircraft like the MQ-28 Ghost Bat fighter and MQ-25 Stingray tanker.

FlightGlobal’s managing editor for defence Greg Waldron sits down with Steve Parker to discuss the company’s turnaround and what to expect from Boeing over the next few years.