THE FARNBOROUGH BLOG, 9 July 2012. Sales at the Farnborough airshow are picking up with Boeing seeing orders for over a hundred aircraft. In a supposed down economy, these orders, which total to more than $9 billion at list price, are unusually bright. The success isn't limited to Boeing either, with Bombardier securing more than $1 billion worth of sales, along with Airbus and Embraer picking up sales as well.

With the defense budget on the decline it's important for these companies to pick up sales in the commercial sector, and they're doing just that. As John Keller mentioned in his blog on the industry's enthusiasm in spite of clear trouble, Boeing in particular has prepared itself for the worst with layoffs planned for next year. With strong day one sales, the optimism the industry has been touting just may be more than wishful thinking.

Sales at Farnborough on day 1 have already reached more than $11 billion. The last Farnborough airshow, in 2010, saw a total of 835 commercial aircraft sold with a value of $47 billion total in sales. The Farnborough airshow before that, in 2008, saw a total value of $88.7 billion in sales. If sales pick up over the course of the show this Farnborough might be more successful than the 2010 show.

Will this year's air show continue the decline of the 2010 show, or will there be larger deals signed that push numbers back towards 2008's record sales? Be sure to check back as we continue our coverage of the Farnborough airshow!