Highlights and feedback from the Netherlands Pavilion at Farnborough International Airshow 2024

Monday
The exhibition kicked off with great energy, featuring engaging conversations and innovative displays. A highlight was the visit of Vice Admiral Jan Willem Hartman and his delegation to our stand. In the afternoon, we held productive meetings with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the Dutch ambassador to the UK. We also introduced Paul Eijssen, who will succeed Frank Jansen as our new director later this year. Paul will join NAG on September 1st, allowing him to build relationships with key industry figures before taking on his new role.

Tuesday
Our members enjoyed a unique visit to EMBRAER and EVE, which included a virtual flight in the EVE mock-up and exploration of a retrofitted E-190 cargo aircraft. We also highlighted the recently acquired KC390. The day concluded with the vibrant Dutch Drinks and Network event, which fostered valuable conversations and connections.

Wednesday
Frank Jansen was honoured with a surprise leadership award for his significant contributions to the aviation community at a drinks event, Partners around the World. Following this celebratory occasion, NAG participated in a panel discussion on the Industrial Value Network, hosted by Dassault Systèmes. The day concluded with a reception at GKN Aerospace, marking another successful engagement.

Thursday
The afternoon features a reception with the Singapore Airshow Team and the Business Sustainability Network event at Dassault Systèmes.

Friday
Time to go home.

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Feedback from our NAG Pavillion Participants

“Fokker Services Group is delighted to be part of the Dutch ecosystem. The best place to showcase ourselves is together with other Dutch companies at the Holland Pavilion.”

-Marco Verweij, Fokker Services

“The Farnborough Airshow has been an exceptional platform for the Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR) to showcase our Dutch capabilities in supporting industry and governmental organisations with applied aerospace and defence R&T developments. As part of the Netherlands Pavilion, we had the opportunity to network with key international stakeholders and industry players, exploring new collaborations. Our presence highlighted the Netherlands’ commitment to sustainability and technological advancement in aviation. Overall, the Farnborough Airshow has strengthened NLR’s visibility and reinforced our position as a leader in aerospace research and development.”

-Jan Terlingen, NLR

“This was my first time at the FIA. From the NAG, it was a very nice place to showcase ourselves as the Dutch aerospace cluster. I had many valuable conversations, gained insights, and formed collaborations over the past few days.”

–Sander van Nieuwenhuizen, Aviolanda

“Happy to be part of the Dutch Aerospace cluster at the Farnborough Airshow this year. Highly appreciate the support of the NAG in making aviation more sustainable.”

–Ron van Baaren, ADSE

“Fokker Next Gen is thrilled to see the developments towards innovative and cutting-edge technologies in aviation displayed at the Farnborough International Airshow that propel the industry towards decarbonisation. We enjoyed the networking opportunities with industry leaders, engineers, and innovators gathered in one place to share insights, forging connections.”

-Anete Kleinberga, Fokker Next Gen

“As always, a great show with many interesting meetings with old and new friends. We will definitely come back for the next show. Many thanks to the excellent organisation and support of the NAG. A special thanks to Frank for his many years of dedication and great engagement in moving the NL aviation cluster forward!”

-Paul Rusch, Aeronamic

“We know how to connect at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, made possible through the excellent support of the Netherlands Aerospace Group.”

-Maurice Taks, WFS PRO

“As with every Farnborough Airshow, it was a successful reunion with old contacts as well as getting to know new ones. In a world that is constantly changing, it is all the more important to meet each other in person. Once again, excellently organised and facilitated by the NAG.”

-Bob Fleuren, Vimac

“Compliments to the NAG team for organising once again a superb Dutch pavilion at this year’s FIA. As a co-exhibitor, connecting with relevant industry counterparts was really easy both on and off the booth. Almost as important, the hospitality of the NAG crew knows no boundaries!”

-Gerben Groothuis, Twente Airport

“The positive buzz at the FIA is back! The recovery in the commercial aviation industry, particularly after the difficult COVID period, is steadily progressing and offers the supply chain the opportunity to invest again in existing and new innovative manufacturing concepts. The world has changed since then, and the challenges are now in completely different areas. Necessary cost reductions through process improvements, innovations, automation, and scaling up are needed to control the extremely high inflation and increased costs of recent years to keep the business profitable, especially in the Netherlands. Additionally, we see that the initially announced production rates of Airbus had to be revised downwards; the supply chain simply cannot keep up. The labour market is overstretched in every sector, including the aviation sector, which has now acquired a completely different image. COVID has also taken a heavy toll in this area, causing workers to choose other sectors. Therefore, urgent alternative solutions need to be found. It is motivating and encouraging to see how the Dutch aviation sector is again making great strides and developing initiatives to make aviation sustainable and technologically advanced in all areas!”

-Peter van Lieshout, KMWE Aerospace & KMWE Precision Aerostructures

We extend our sincere thanks to all participants of the NAG Dutch Pavilion for their presence and for sharing their ideas and stories.

We look forward to our upcoming events, including MRO Europe this October in Barcelona and the Paris Airshow next June. If you’re interested in joining us, please visit our event page for more details.