ILA2006 Closing Report: Upturn in the Aerospace Sector

Messe Berlin GmbH, BERLIN: By the time the International Aerospace Exhibition ended on Sunday all previous attendance records had been broken. More than 250,000 visitors (2004: 201,500, +25%) were recorded at the ILA2006 between 16 and 21 May, including 115,000 trade visitors (2004: 105,000). 
 
Events on the southern section of Berlin-Schonefeld airport were dominated by the signing of sales contracts and joint venture agreements worth billions, a display featuring some 340 aircraft, many of them making their first public appearance, and the largest number of delegations and conferences ever. 1,014 exhibitors from 42 countries (2004: 987 from 42 countries) presented products, systems and processes from every area of the aerospace industry. 
 
Several thousand experts from all over Europe and from overseas attended the more than 90 accompanying conferences in search of information. Some 4,100 media representatives from 70 countries provided comprehensive coverage of the main technical themes and the attractions for the public at the ILA2006. 
 
The ILA2006 emphasised the importance of this sector for Germany in its role as a centre for the aerospace industry. Hans-Joachim Gante, Chief Executive of the BDLI, stated: “We have become one of the few sectors with sustainable growth in Germany, due above all to our innovative strengths.” 
 
This was clearly demonstrated at the ILA2006, which is acquiring an increasingly international dimension, thereby strengthening its role as one of the world's major meeting places for the industry. This was an ideal opportunity for the German aerospace industry to demonstrate that it is among the world leaders.Exhibitors expressed their satisfaction with the discussions and contacts and with the business deals that were finalised at this event. “In particular the decision to make Russia the partner country proved highly effective. Russia was very strongly represented and was able to establish numerous contacts and business links.” 
 
At the close of the event Stefan Grave, Project Director for Messe Berlin GmbH, summed up: “The ILA2006 underlined its major importance as a European marketing platform for this sector as well as again demonstrating its many attractions for the public. Trade visitors and the general public alike were fascinated by the high-tech products on display. Unprecedented numbers of people attended to see the Airbus A380, an outstanding international flying display and the Space Hall.