Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show & exhibition confirmed!

The 12th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and air show, will take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane. This will be from 18 to 22 September 2024.

Africa Aerospace Defence
Africa Aerospace Defence trace exhibition and air show to take place in September. Image: Pixabay

South Africa will host Africa’s premier global aerospace and defence trade exhibition in September.

The theme for the event is ‘Exploring New Paths, Sharing Solutions, Showcasing Innovation and Capability.’

ONLY EVENT OF THIS KIND IN AFRICA

The event is considered one of the top six events of its kind in the world.

It is the only aerospace and defence exhibition combined with an air show on the African continent.

The AAD is presented in partnership with South Africa’s Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Association (AMD), the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), in collaboration with the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DOD).

STELLAR COMPLEMENT OF EXHIBITORS

The event has continued to record success and is truly in a class of its own.

It will see exhibitors from several countries, including the United States, Belgium, and China.

Exhibitors include Sweden’s SAAB, Airbus, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and L3Harris Technologies.

The event provides the perfect platform to strengthen existing and establish new partnerships within the defence and related industries.

More than half of the available exhibition space has already been confirmed, reflecting a vote of confidence from exhibitors.

“As organisers, we want to position the country as the global pinnacle of innovation, excellence, and a preferred investment destination. We anticipate that more than 30,000 trade visitors will engage with over 300 exhibitors. Visitors can also attend our maiden conference edition to hear thought leaders in the industry, academia, and the defence sector provide insights into topical issues that directly impact the industry. Furthermore, we project at least 60,000 visitors will attend the public air show days to witness the exhilarating aerobatics spectacle.”

Ms Nakedi Phasha, Exhibition Director at AAD

AAD’S INNOVATIONS FOR DRONE TECHNOLOGIES

This year’s AAD will introduce several hubs that showcase the latest innovations.

There are energy and general aviation hubs and a third hub that features drone and anti-drone technologies.

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YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS

Another unique initiative of the AAD is its youth development programme (YDP).

The event exposes youth from disadvantaged and marginalised communities to science and technology disciplines and related career opportunities.

In 2022, AAD hosted over 9,000 learners through its YDP initiative. This year it aims to host 12,000 students.

Learners from all nine provinces are expected to descend on the Air Force base to benefit from this impactful event.

AAD’S ECONOMIC IMPACT

The economic impact that the AAD has on South Africa’s economy is significant and makes the event stand out.

International visitors to AAD 2022 contributed over R135 million to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Furthermore, public and trade visitors generated a staggering R150 million in revenue.

A sizable R65 million in taxable revenue was generated last year.

In addition, the event creates employment opportunities for South Africans.

“Looking to the future, our focus will be on further increasing international participation, fostering collaborations, and exploring new sponsorship and partnership opportunities to grow the event’s footprint into Africa. We want to provide our partners with a premier event that contributes to the global aerospace and defence market,” .

Ms Nakedi Phasha, Exhibition Director

Exhibitors keen to secure space, or drone operators eager to demonstrate live at AAD can still book spaces. This can be arranged by visiting www.aadexpo.co.za.

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