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WHERE deep-rooted AVIATION HERITAGE meets UNIQUELY-DESIGNED ARCHITECTURE.
Farnborough is the birthplace of British aviation history. It was here, in 1908, that the first powered flight took place on UK soil. Farnborough Airport has continued to be a leader in aviation and pioneers within the industry and has been one of the most significant contributors to aviation innovation and aeronautic science for over a century.
From the earliest days, Farnborough has been a centre of military and civil aviation research and home to the prestigious Farnborough International Airshow since 1948, attracting thousands of visitors from around the world every two years. Owned by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) during two World Wars and 40 years of the Cold War, Farnborough saw its first civil aviation operations in 1989, before the Government decided the airfield should be redeveloped as a business aviation centre in 1994. What followed were a number of years’ planning and redevelopment before Farnborough Airport became a fully compliant CAA airport for business aviation in 2003.
Taking inspiration from its illustrious aviation heritage, architects 3D Reid were challenged to design a terminal building and hangar facilities that deliver a high-quality customer experience and one that creates a memorable visual and spatial excitement appropriate to the Airport’s cutting-edge reputation for technological and service excellence, whilst capturing the romance, technology and excitement of flight.
The result was an award winning design bringing to life the theatre of aviation, with a terminal that features grandstand views of the dynamic activities of the Airport yet maintains a functionality and intimacy of scale appropriate for the privacy demanded by the Airport’s customers, combined with innovatively designed hangarage unaffected by structure and a rolling, wave-shaped roofline elevation that mimics the surrounding Hampshire hills.
Today, Farnborough Airport is a place to connect with the world, where award winning design, unparalleled service and state of the art facilities take flight. Our pioneering spirit continues, as we take a leading role in managing our environmental impact and paving the way for more sustainable air travel.
Farnborough was the UK’s first airfield in aviation history and home to the country’s first powered flight, which saw Samuel Franklin Cody take off in his British Army Aeroplane No. 1, covering some 1,400 feet over Farnborough, in 27 seconds and at an altitude of 30 to 40 ft.
Primarily used as a military and aviation research base, Farnborough was owned by the British Ministry of Defence (MOD) during two World Wars and 40 years of the Cold War.
The inception of the Farnborough International Airshow, which has become one of the world's leading aviation events. With origins in exhibitions by the Royal Air Force and Society of British Aircraft Companies, the Airshow takes place every two years.
Farnborough's first civil aviation operations begin.
The MOD announce that the airfield is surplus to military requirements.
The Government declares that the airfield should be redeveloped as a business aviation centre.
TAG Aviation wins the bid and takes over the airfield, following a competitive process led by the British Government.
Planning for the redevelopment of the airfield begins.
TAG Farnborough Airport Limited takes complete control under a 99-year lease as a fully compliant CAA airport for business aviation.
TAG purchases the airfield freehold and major renovations commence on Farnborough Airport.
Farnborough Airport becomes the first business aviation airport in the world to achieve carbon neutral status.
By 2019, Farnborough Airport grows beyond all recognition since being granted the original airfield lease. Shareholders sell TAG Farnborough Holdings Limited (including the Airport, Aviator hotel and The Swan pub) to a long-term infrastructure fund managed by Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets (MIRA). Part of Macquarie Group (a top 10 Australian company), MIRA is the world's largest infrastructure manager.
Farnborough Airport progresses its strategy to become a global showcase for airport sustainability with the launch of its Net Zero Roadmap in June 2022, establishing one of the most ambitious Net Zero targets in the aviation sector.
Farnborough Airport becomes the UK’s first business aviation airport to be awarded Level 4+, the highest level of carbon accreditation, by the Airport Carbon Accreditation (ACA) scheme, advancing its Net Zero commitments. 2023 also sees Farnborough Airport embark on one of the largest solar installations in the South East, enabling the Airport to generate 25% of its own power.
