Farnborough, England (CNN) -- As one of the world's leading aviation marketplaces, the Farnborough International Airshow is usually an opportunity for airline executives to reach for their checkbooks. This year some might also be reaching for the stars.

Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo to make its European debut at this year's Farnborough International Airshow.
For six days from July 9, the airshow, will transform a small town to the west of London into a major aviation hub, attracting 250,000 visitors with its unique mix of big business and aerial entertainment.

With the UK and other major European markets wallowing in recession or serious debt problems, industry experts warn the show -- now in its 64th year -- could lack some of the sparkle of its predecessors.

Billions of dollars are still expected to change hands as passenger jets, cargo planes, fighter jets and unmanned drones are snapped up. But with no traditional aviation launches or announcements scheduled, the main attraction will be a spacecraft.

A version of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo -- a two-pilot, six-passenger craft capable of sub-orbital travel -- is scheduled to make its European debut at the show.

Reports suggest Virgin boss Richard Branson will use the event to reveal design changes to the craft, which could be carrying its first passengers into orbit next year. So far 500 people -- including movie star Ashton Kutcher -- have signed up for a $200,000 flight.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/07/05/world/...ml?hpt=hp_bn10