Taking place between 8-13 June on the southern section of Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, some 1,100 exhibitors from around 40 countries will be demonstrating their products at the ILA 2010 international aerospace exhibition.
For the first time, exhibitors from Australia, Finland, Mexico, Monaco, Sweden, Singapore, Turkey and Tunisia will attend, while applications already received also suggest increased involvement by the US and Japan, and by European countries too. The event will also be boosted with displays by the German aerospace industry, and a joint stand organised by BDLI, the German Aerospace Industries Association, includes some 40 exhibitors.
In comparison to the previous ILA in 2008, considerable expansion has taken place in a number of individual areas, such as the International Suppliers' Center (ISC), the HeliCenter and CareerCenter. A ‘Path of Innovation' area has also been created on the website to introduce visitors to leading exhibitors, especially in regards to ecological production and environmental issues, and create their own tours.
ILA's presentation of the latest developments in the industry will include an international debut for the Airbus A400M military transport aircraft. A special version of the Airbus A380, Lufthansa's first mega-airliner, will also make an appearance at the show's opening, and another A380 belonging to the Emirates airline is expected to appear.
Equipped with the latest avionics, the CH-53GA transport helicopter is also making its international debut at ILA, while another newcomer will be the Dornier 228 NG from RUAG. The 19 seat 228 NG incorporates the latest avionics and a new five-blade propeller. Whilst established jet fighters like Eurofighter and Saab Gripen will be on show, among the more unusual exhibits will be the Grob G520 Egrett, a special-purpose aircraft with a wingspan of 30m and intended for a variety of uses, including UAV guidance.
Buyers and flyers
The International Buyers' Day on 9th June is a new feature at the ILA and provides an exclusive opportunity for exhibitors at the International Suppliers Center (ISC) to conduct direct B2B discussions with buyers from leading international OEMs and tier one suppliers. Some 60 leading procurement specialists have announced their intention to take part in the event.
ISC has received the largest number of applications from the equipment and supply sector since it was set up in 2006. Intended to serve as a ‘fair within a fair', this section of the event is on course to attract well over 60% more exhibitors than in 2008, with some 250 exhibitors from 16 countries presenting their products and services in Hall 11.
The fair will also represent the cooperation between the German Air Force and the military hardware companies in the German aerospace industries for the first time, with a joint exhibition pavilion at ILA.
Trade visitors and the general public will be able to see the collaboration between the Air Force and BDLI member companies Autoflug, EADS Defence & Security, Eurocopter, MTU and Rolls-Royce, which forms part of the overall Bundeswehr presentation. Visitors will also be able to watch a Eurofighter engine being replaced live, as well as the examination and complete overhaul of the ejector seat on a combat aircraft. Technicians will demonstrate how the turbine blades on a helicopter are removed, and experts from the Air Force and the industry will explain how the information on a flight data recorder on a UH Tiger is evaluated.
ILA's innovation in aviation
In a Q&A session, Dietmar Schrick, managing director of the BDLI underlines the important role ILA 2010 will play on the aerospace industry's world stage. Q1) What is the aim of ILA 2010 and is it still important to the German aerospace industry and the international aerospace supply chain?
In difficult economic times, it is essential for the aerospace industry to create platforms for efficient networking of all participants in the international supply chain, to discuss the latest issues, keep in touch with military customers and create the best possible awareness for the importance of our branch and its global competitiveness in the eyes of Federal politics. All these aspects are combined in the concept and setup of ILA. This is what makes ILA unique among the aerospace business trade shows in Europe and is the reason why its attraction remains undiminished.
Q2) What new attractions can visitors expect to see at this year's show?
German Chancellor, Angela Merkel will open the show. We will see the world airshow debut of the Airbus A400M and witness both Emirates and Lufthansa airlines unveil their own Airbus A380s.
Major helicopter manufacturers and suppliers will be exhibiting on the southern section of the airport. And using the slogan ‘Our mission: the planet', the Space Pavilion will examine applications of space technology. Visitors can expect an exhibition that appeals to their emotions, provides a close look at spaceflight and emphasises its importance for the earth.
Celebrating 100 years of innovation in aviation, we will conduct an air display with milestone aircraft from every decade. Our official partner country, Switzerland will have a strong presence and the Patrouille Suisse will be putting on a stunning display.
Q3) How are bookings progressing for exhibitor space at the show?
Very well, despite all the difficulties our industry has gone through during 2009 and the beginning of 2010. We are very confident because we already have applications at the same level of the previous event. In comparison with the previous ILA, considerable expansion is taking place in a number of individual sections of ILA 2010, such as the International Suppliers' Center (ISC), the HeliCenter and CareerCenter. With regards to visitors, we envisage figures comparable to 2008, i.e. some 240,000-250,000. At this point, we don't see negative impacts.
Q4) Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) exhibiting at larger airshows are often overlooked by visitors because they are ‘hidden' by the larger OEMs. What steps is ILA taking to ensure they receive enough prominence?
ILA offers the perfect platform for SMEs at the same eye level as OEMs and system manufacturers. With our conference concept, we cover all relevant industrial subjects around the interdependence of both segments of our industry. The ISC has been developed to create a global eye level platform to boost contacts, awareness of mutual demands and improved networking among suppliers to strengthen their position.
Q5) Other B2B events place the emphasis on suppliers being able to target, meet and network directly with major OEMs. Is this what the ISC intends to do and if so, what levels of success do you anticipate?
In a difficult environment, suppliers as well as OEMs want a platform to tighten their business relations. For ILA, the ISC has received the largest number of applications from the equipment and supply sector since it was set up in 2006. It is intended to serve as a ‘fair within a fair'.
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