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Bumping into British PM David Cameron at the Farnborough Air Show

July 11, 2016
4 min read
david cameron boeing featured
Bumping into British PM David Cameron at the Farnborough Air Show
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British Prime Minister David Cameron has had a very interesting few months, but there's one part of the job that's hard not to envy: VIP access at Farnborough. This week, I'm on the ground at the ever-important Farnborough International Airshow, held every other year just outside London.

The show kicked off this morning, and my first stop was Boeing's booth, since I hoped to score early access to the brand new Boeing 737 MAX, which is set to launch next year. Thankfully, that effort paid off — I managed to get on board — but due to a security mixup I also ended up with a pretty cool opportunity to (almost) rub shoulders with Britain's (now outgoing) PM, who seemed to be in an excellent mood throughout his Boeing booth visit.

Fighter jets pass overhead during the opening ceremony of the 2016 Farnborough Air Show as Boeing guests seek shelter under a US Navy P-8A.

Military aircraft appeared to be the focus of Cameron's visit, which followed an announcement that Boeing would be bringing 2,000 jobs to the UK, and that the country will be purchasing nine P-8A Poseidon Maritime Patrol Aircraft to beef up its search and rescue operation.

David Cameron walks past a Boeing 737 MAX as he chats with Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg at the Farnborough Air Show.

Only a few dozen Boeing employees and guests attended the visit, which centered around the UK's P-8A Poseidon acquisition.

Cameron's delegation approaches journalists and guests at the Boeing booth.

Cameron spent five minutes or so chatting with a handful of Royal Air Force members, including some who will likely be operating the UK's new search and rescue aircraft once they're delivered in a few years.

David Cameron chats with members of a UK crew for the P-8A Poseidon patrol jet.

Cameron seemed to be in very good spirits on the same day he announced his replacement, Theresa May.

David Cameron jokes with a UK crew member.

And then after 10 or so minutes of shaking hands and touring the booth, Cameron and his entourage made their way to a waiting motorcade, and the Boeing team got back to work at Farnborough.

The British PM's entourage passes by the 737 MAX following a visit to the Boeing booth.

FIA is very similar to the Paris Air Show, which is held during odd-numbered years, vs. even-numbered years for Farnborough. Billions of dollars in aircraft deals are firmed up each time around, and more than 100,000 trade visitors attend — in other words, it's a pretty big deal.

We'll be bringing you plenty more from FIA 2016 throughout this week, so stay tuned!

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See below for more from Farnborough 2016:

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants
TPG Editor‘s Rating
4 / 5
Go to review

Rewards Rate

4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4XEarn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.
  • Annual Fee

    $325
  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.