"There a few crazy (ones) of us out there. It's all relative," added Rutter, who hails from Arizona and kept his black jacket on.
This is the first Farnborough since 2018 because the 2020 edition was cancelled as the Covid health emergency ravaged the aviation sector.
Boeing fired the first shot on Monday in its traditional orders battle with European rival Airbus, clinching a $13.5-billion deal for 100 MAX planes from Delta Airlines in a huge vote of confidence for the crisis-hit jet -- and for the industry's broader recovery from Covid.
Delta lodged its first-ever order for medium-haul MAX 10 aircraft, with options for 30 more of the fuel-efficient planes as it seeks to replace its ageing fleet and cut emissions.
The blockbuster deal marks a huge turnaround for the MAX jet which had suffered two deadly crashes in 2018 and 2019.
DECARBONISATION
Delta, which has 222 Airbus aircraft due for delivery, was until now the only large US airline that had not yet ordered MAX jets.
The MAX 10 is the largest version of Boeing's new generation of single-aisle aircraft, and competes with the commercially-successful Airbus A321.
Delta boss Ed Bastian added that the aircraft would help it improve fuel efficiency and secure a "more sustainable future for air travel".
The news comes as airlines worldwide seek to replace ageing fleets with fuel-efficient planes that emit less carbon dioxide.
Airbus and a number of major airlines signed letters of intent to explore the possibility of capturing CO2 emissions from the air and storing them underground.
Boeing revealed also that Japanese airline ANA had agreed to purchase 20 of its smaller MAX 8 jets -- worth $2.4 billion -- plus two 777-8 freight planes.
'HANDING OVER CONTROLS'
Outgoing British Prime Minister Boris Johnson opened the prestigious five-day event as the aviation sector plots its post-Covid recovery.
The event coincides with fast-moving political turmoil in Britain after Johnson's recent announcement that he is stepping down as Conservative party leader, sparking a divisive contest to replace him also as prime minister.
"This government believes in aviation and its power to bring jobs and growth to the entire country," Johnson said Monday in opening remarks, before alluding to his exit from Downing Street.
"After three years in the cockpit... I am now handing over the controls seamlessly to someone else. I don't know who," he added, sparking laughter from delegates.
