The Farnborough Airshow 2026 opened with a surprise that caught the industry off guard: the General Atomics Do228 NXT demonstrator, making its public debut on the tarmac. The aircraft, a modernised version of the rugged Dornier 228 twin-turboprop, was the centrepiece of a day that also saw Vertical Aerospace fly its eVTOL for the first time at the show, and Embraer announce plans to boost KC-390 output after fresh orders.
Vertical's flight debut came with a revised timeline: the UK manufacturer confirmed that type certification for the Valo eVTOL is now expected in 2029, pushing back earlier targets. The company's progress was watched closely by delegates, who also crowded the U.S. International Partnership Pavilion, where more than 20 states had set aside politics to pitch their aerospace credentials.
“General Atomics Do228 NXT demonstrator debuted at Farnborough Airshow 2026.”
On the military transport side, Embraer's KC-390 programme has gained enough traction that the Brazilian planemaker is ramping up production. First deliveries of the aircraft could see four units operational from 2028, following pilot training in France. The news came as Boeing's commercial chief, Stephanie Pope, told reporters that the company is keeping an open mind on open-fan engine technology as it rebuilds 737 output – a signal that the aerospace giant is looking beyond current generation engines.
Back on the static line, the Do228 NXT dominated conversations. Developed by General Atomics, the demonstrator updates the classic airframe with new avionics and a redesigned interior, targeting the surveillance and utility market. Its presence at Farnborough marked the first time the aircraft has been shown publicly, and executives remained tight-lipped about launch customers.
Elsewhere, Aerocor released a new guide aimed at cutting through the noise surrounding the Phenom 100 market. The guide, available at no cost from Aerocor, is expected to help buyers navigate the popular light jet segment. Meanwhile, Amentum, the engineering specialist, used the show to sharpen its focus on UK defence objectives, supporting sovereign capability and logistics.
As the sun set on the opening day, the Do228 NXT remained the talk of the flight line – a quiet demonstrator that had made a loud statement about where the regional and special-mission market is heading.