Rolls-Royce chief executive John Rose hosted the enginemaker's eve-of-show reception this year, and opened his remarks by apologizing for the absence of his boss, Rolls-Royce chairman Sir Ralph Robins.

Sir Ralph, he said, had mistakenly thought that Farnborough was still in its traditional September spot.

"It's understandable. He has been coming to Farnborough shows in September for longer than I have been alive," Rose said to much laughter.

By Bob Rodwell