Farnborough International, organiser of the Farnborough International Airshow 2006, has announced that the Business aircraft Park (BAP) will be expanded and improved for next year’s show.

Dubbed the ‘show within the show,’ the BAP will be relocated close to chalet rows J and |K, ensuring that it is easily accessible from the main exhibition area.

The BAP will be a three-day show, open from July 17 to 19. EBAN has been appointed as sales agent for this key area of FIA2006.

Amanda Stainer, Farnborough International’s director of exhibitions and events, said: “In 2004 the Business Aircraft Park attracted 50 per cent more aircraft than had been forecast and exhibitors were delighted with the level of business generated at the show.

It is estimated that the park assisted business aircraft sales of up to US$100 million during the three days.

“We strongly believe that the expanded and improved BAP for FIA2006 represents a major opportunity for manufacturers and distributors of commercial helicopters. That is why we are expanding our marketing efforts by visiting Helitech and, soon, NBAA in Orlando and next year at EBACE in Geneva.”

Farnborough International reports that the number of companies submitting applications to exhibit at next year’s show is up 20 per cent compared with this stage last year.

FIA and Tevor Sidebottom commented: “Many companies are working closely with us to create bespoke exhibitor packages for the show.”