Boeing vs Airbus: These Airlines Could Spark the Biggest Deals at Farnborough 2026

Farnborough, UK – As the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 (FIA 2026) approaches from July 20–24, Farnborough Airshow news is gathering momentum, with Philippine Airlines (PAL) expected to steal the spotlight through a significant split widebody order from Airbus and Boeing.

According to Reuters, the Philippine flag carrier is on the verge of finalizing a deal for 15 Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners and nine Airbus A350-1000 aircraft. The agreement is expected to be among the biggest Farnborough Airshow orders and could be formally announced during the event, making it one of the key Farnborough 2026 highlights.

This would represent PAL’s first major purchase from Boeing in nearly two decades. The airline has been rapidly modernizing its fleet and already operates Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with several more due for delivery. The addition of the Boeing 787-10 would diversify its long-haul capabilities alongside its existing Boeing 777-300ER fleet, adding to the impressive lineup of Farnborough Airshow aircraft expected to dominate discussions throughout the week.

Qatar Airways, Image Courtesy : Jetline Marvel

Other Potential Deals

Abu Dhabi’s Etihad Airways is also nearing an agreement for 10 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with industry sources indicating a possible announcement during Farnborough Airshow 2026. The deal would further strengthen Etihad’s widebody fleet as it continues its recovery and global expansion.

Additionally, Germany’s Lufthansa Group has been evaluating a follow-on widebody order, weighing the Airbus A350-1000 against Boeing’s 777X for deliveries beginning in the early 2030s. While no confirmation has been given that this decision will be revealed during FIA 2026, it remains one of the most closely watched fleet discussions in the aviation industry.

Farnborough 2026 Outlook

The Farnborough International Airshow 2026 has traditionally served as the world’s premier stage for major commercial aircraft announcements. Although analysts caution that this year’s Farnborough Airshow orders may not match the record-breaking $105 billion announced in 2024, the event is still expected to generate significant business despite production backlogs extending well into the next decade.

Airbus will maintain a strong presence with its daily Farnborough Airshow flying display, featuring the A350-1000, while Boeing will showcase its latest widebody technology through exhibits, including a 777X cabin section.

The airshow runs from July 20 to July 24 at Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, United Kingdom, bringing together more than 1,400 Farnborough Airshow exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. Throughout the week, Farnborough Airshow live coverage is expected to feature additional announcements from airlines across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Aviation enthusiasts and industry professionals alike will be following the latest Farnborough Airshow news as the event delivers some of the biggest Farnborough 2026 highlights in commercial aviation.