Global aviation's Farnborough airshow opens on Monday in southwest London for the first time since the COVID-19 hit, spotlighting the battle between Airbus and Boeing for orders.

The five-day show is one of the largest civilian and defense shows. U.S. titan Boeing and its European arch-rival Airbus will battle for supremacy at Farnborough as they declare their latest multi-billion-dollar jet orders.

Airbus and Boeing officials flew to India ahead of the show, chasing a potential $50-billion blockbuster from Air India owner Tata Group. It is studying 200-300 narrow-body airplanes and 30-70 wide-body planes split between suppliers.

Airbus and Boeing will also showcase their latest twin-aisle passenger aircraft, the A350-900 and the 777X.

Aerospace firms will do their best to show civil demand is intact after the worst downturn in their history. Rising defense spending will also be in focus as the industry gathers under the shadow of the Ukraine crisis. 

(With input from agencies)