Next July’s Farnborough International air show is approaching capacity, with 94 percent of space sold and only two chalets left to rent. Organizer Farnborough International Ltd. (FIL) said last week that it expects the show to be completely sold out by the end of the Singapore show. Already, Hall 4 has had to be extended, and FIL (Stand No. L81) is planning a complete redesign of the hall to accommodate demand at future shows.

Where the 2006 show was about consolidation, FIL said, the 2008 event is all about evolution. Key companies will be constructing exceptional buildings on newly developed areas of the UK’s oldest airfield, and organizers promise “bigger and more breathtaking constructions than ever before.”

Farnborough International’s new “Crystal Palace” is one part of an ambitious plan to present innovative aesthetics at this summer’s airshow. The four-story glass structure, located centrally on the Farnborough flightline, will house exhibitors Thales and Kallman Worldwide. Designer Specialist Structures’ initial plans call for an open atrium on the ground floor, where the companies can display their wares. The mezzanine floor will feature business space, while the third floor will be dedicated entirely to dining. A roof terrace bar area will offer spectacular views of the air displays.

This year, Farnborough celebrates the centenary of sustained powered flight in the United Kingdom. GKN Aerospace, one of the longest-established UK aerospace manufacturers, will base its sponsorship of the new Garden Café on that theme.