Torino, 20 July 2026 – Today Piemonte inaugurates its participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2026, taking place through 24 July at Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, England. Recognised as one of the world's leading aerospace exhibitions, the event brings together governments, prime contractors, innovative SMEs, investors and research organisations to shape the future of aviation, space, defence and dual-use technologies, one of the world's most strategic industrial sectors. Piemonte's objective is to further strengthen its position as a European hub for aerospace innovation.
Piemonte's participation is organised by Piemonte Agency as part of the "Aerospace" Integrated Supply Chain Project, promoted by Regione Piemonte (Regional Government) and co-funded through the 2021-2027 ERDF Regional Programme, in collaboration with the Torino Chamber of Commerce.

At Farnborough, Piemonte is showcasing the capabilities of its companies and a development model built on the integration of advanced manufacturing, research and innovation. This ecosystem has successfully evolved from a strong aeronautical tradition into the new Space Economy and is now well positioned to contribute to the major global challenges facing the sector. A total of 16 SMEs from Piemonte are presenting their technologies and solutions to international buyers within the regional exhibition area, which also hosts the Piemonte Aerospace Cluster. The stand enjoys a prime location in the prestigious Hall 1 as part of the official Italian pavilion organised by AIAD - MoD. The delegation reflects an industrial network capable of covering the entire aerospace value chain - from aviation and space to defence - with an integrated offering that demonstrates the strength and versatility of Piemonte's supply chain in meeting the demands of an evolving global market. The delegation represents world-class expertise in the design and manufacture of high-technology systems and components, precision engineering, advanced machining, innovative materials and next-generation manufacturing solutions, complemented by engineering, certification, maintenance and industrial support services. Alongside its established manufacturing capabilities, Piemonte is also showcasing cutting-edge innovations in strategic fields including artificial intelligence for aerospace, space robotics, technologies for Sspace exploration and habitation, low-emission propulsion systems, reusable launch vehicles, additive manufacturing and solutions supporting the transition towards a more sustainable aviation industry and Space Economy.

To present Piemonte's excellence to international stakeholders, the regional stand will host the workshop "Elevating Aerospace Excellence: Piemonte's Innovation Ecosystem and Investment Outlook" on 22nd July. Speakers will include Davide Gandolfi, Head of International Affairs and Cooperation at Regione Piemonte; Guido Bolatto, Secretary General of the Turin Chamber of Commerce; Stefano Nigro, General Manger of Piemonte Agency; and representatives from the leading international aerospace companies operating in Piemonte: Leonardo, Avio Aero, Thales Alenia Space, Altec, Safran and Mecaer Aviation Group. The workshop will combine an overview of Piemonte's industrial capabilities with an exploration of business and investment opportunities. In parallel with the airshow, and as part of Piemonte's foreign direct investment strategy, Piemonte Agency together with the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) London will organise "Piemonte's Ecosystem and Its Investment Opportunities" on 21st July in central London. Hosted by Tanda Migliorini & Associates LLP, Studio Legale Associato Ponza & Curci and Porfido & Partners Family Office, the event will bring together a selected audience of 20 prospective UK investors to present Piemonte's investment opportunities and the support services available to international companies.

The 2026 edition of the Farnborough International Airshow focuses on the major trends reshaping the aerospace industry, including digitalisation, artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, sustainability, next-generation flight technologies and the Space Economy. In this context, Piemonte is presenting itself as a mature industrial ecosystem capable of competing across the entire aerospace value chain and contributing to Europe's leading aeronautical and space programmes. The region is home to major global aerospace companies - Leonardo, Avio Aero, Thales Alenia Space, Altec, Safran and Mecaer Aviation Group - as well as more than 450 SMEs providing international customers with a complete, high-value supply chain built on specialist know-how, advanced technical expertise and world-class manufacturing. Piemonte's aerospace sector continues to expand steadily, generating €8 billion in annual turnover and employing approximately 35,000 highly skilled professionals. The sector benefits from a comprehensive innovation ecosystem comprising an established SME network, major industrial groups, a growing pipeline of high-tech start-ups, public and private research centres, Innovation Clusters, Città dell'Aerospazio (City of Aerospace) - Italy's largest hub for aerospace manufacturing and research & development - and a strong academic presence that makes the region increasingly attractive to both international buyers and foreign investors.

The 2026 edition follows the record-breaking 2024 show, during which more than US$105 billion in commercial agreements were announced. This year's event is expected to attract over 1,400 exhibitors and more than 100,000 trade visitors from around the world. Participation in the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 therefore represents a strategic milestone in Piemonte's international promotion roadmap, complementing a series of major aerospace events scheduled throughout 2026 and 2027, including Space Tech Expo Europe, Aeromart Toulouse, SpaceCom, the business mission to the United States during the Space Symposium, DSEI – Defence and Security Equipment International, Aircraft Interiors Expo, Paris Air Show, and the International Astronautical Congress (IAC). This programme will culminate in the 11th edition of Aerospace & Defense Meetings, returning to Torino in November 2027.

The United Kingdom is Piemonte's third-largest non-EU trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching €3.3 billion in 2025 across several high-value manufacturing sectors, including aerospace, automotive, mechatronics, chemicals and agrifood. Despite the post-Brexit regulatory environment, economic ties between Piemonte and the UK remain strong, with exports exceeding €2.4 billion, confirming the UK as one of the region's key non-EU export markets and a strategic partner for investment, innovation and industrial collaboration. Within this framework, aerospace remains one of the strongest and most dynamic areas of cooperation. Based on an indirect estimate developed by Piemonte Agency using available 2025 data, aerospace trade between Piemonte and the United Kingdom is estimated at around €1 billion, including approximately €600 million in exports from Piemonte and around €450 million in imports from the UK. To support these relationships, Piemonte Agency has developed long-standing partnerships with leading UK aerospace organisations, including the Midlands Aerospace Alliance, West of England Aerospace Forum, Aerospace Wales Forum, Farnborough Aerospace Consortium and Invest Northern Ireland. Several of these organisations are also members, together with Piemonte Agency, of the European Aerospace Cluster Partnership (EACP), creating additional opportunities for industrial, technological and scientific collaboration between companies in Piemonte and the United Kingdom.

"Aerospace is one of Piemonte's fastest-growing industries, generating €8 billion in annual turnover, employing 35,000 people and supported by an order book extending over the next 15 years. It is a strategic driver of our region's competitiveness, and our presence at Farnborough is an investment in that growth," said Alberto Cirio, President of Regione Piemonte, and Andrea Tronzano, Regional Minister for Productive Activities and Internationalisation. "Being present where companies, investors and major customers meet creates tangible opportunities for our businesses, fosters new international partnerships and strengthens the attractiveness of our region. This is how we support our companies' global expansion while promoting an ecosystem that combines industrial expertise, research, innovation and a supply chain capable of competing at the highest international level."

"Farnborough has always been a strategic fixture in the international aerospace calendar, showcasing Piemonte's supply chain to the world's most prestigious industry stakeholders. This is thanks not only to the presence of major global aerospace companies, but also to the region's dynamic network of SMEs offering flexible, cutting-edge solutions," said Guido Bolatto, Secretary General of the Torino Chamber of Commerce. "Our participation - including a strategic meeting with a selected group of 20 potential UK investors - further reinforces our international positioning as we look ahead to welcoming the global aerospace community to Torino for Aerospace & Defense Meetings 2027."

"At Farnborough, Piemonte is taking centre stage, backed by the quality of its companies and by the work we carry out alongside our members and regional partners to strengthen their international competitiveness," said Stefano Nigro, General Manager of Piemonte Agency. "Thanks to our extensive international network and structured business scouting activities, Piemonte Agency will introduce Piemonte's aerospace supply chain to some of the world's leading industry players, including Airbus, Blue Origin, GE Aerospace, Fokker and Meggitt. Our mission to the United Kingdom also represents an important opportunity to promote Piemonte as a destination for foreign investment. We have become Italy's second-leading region for attracting international investment, yet we believe the aerospace sector still offers significant growth potential. Through the 'Invest in Piemonte' event, we will present our ecosystem to new prospective investors, building on an investment pipeline that already includes more than 100 active aerospace projects and has resulted in 13 successful investment settlements."

"Farnborough is a key opportunity to strengthen international partnerships and launch new technology collaboration projects," said Maurizio De Mitri, President of the Piemonte Aerospace Cluster. "We have organised meetings with international aerospace clusters to reinforce our position as a leading region in aerospace development. On the opening day, we will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the world's largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession, with approximately 30,000 members in more than 90 countries. The Piemonte Aerospace Cluster aims to support local companies as a strategic global technology partner, enabling them to play a leading role in shaping the future of aviation and space. At Farnborough, the Cluster is not only showcasing Piemonte's industrial heritage but also reinforcing its commitment to driving the ecological and digital transformation of aerospace worldwide."

Piemonte companies at Farnborough International Air Show 2026
ALLINOX COMPONENTS - www.allinoxcomponents.it
ALTAIR CONSORTIUM - www.altairconsortium.com
BISIACH & CARRÙ - www.bisiachcarru.it
FIDIA - www.fidia.it
FRESAL - www.fresal.com
JOINTEK - www.jointek.eu
LABORMET DUE - www.labormetdue.it
MECAER AVIATION GROUP - www.mecaer.com
PRIMA ELECTRO - www.primaelectro.com
S.I.ME. - www.simeccanica.it
SDM GROUP - www.sdm-group.eu
SIPAL - www.sipal.it
TECNO E.D.M. - www.tecnoedm.com
TUBIFLEX - www.tubiflex.com
VANZETTI ENGINEERING - www.vanzettiengineering.com
VINCENTI OFFICINE - www.vincentiofficine.it