Messe Berlin GmbH, BERLIN: ILA2006, taking place from 16 to 21 May on the southern section of Berlin-Schonefeld Airport, will be the most important event for the industry on the European continent this year. The upturn in the aerospace sector has also given a boost to the ILA2006.
The exhibition grounds have been expanded and now cover 250,000 square metres. Exhibitors will occupy all available space in the ten halls (total area 50,000 m2) and on the five outdoor display sites (total area 100,000 m2). A further 100,000 square metres has been allocated for visitors and as viewing areas. 1,014 exhibitors from 42 countries (2004: 987 from 42 countries) will occupy the southern section of Berlin-Schonefeld Airport to present a comprehensive range of products and services featuring current and future developments in aerospace technology. Approximately 41 per cent of the exhibitors are from abroad.
The 63 chalets (2004: 57) positioned directly in front of the airfield represent the largest number of applications for VIP pavilions in the history of this event. The record number of aircraft, 340 (2004: 330), of all sizes and categories, more than at any other aerospace fair anywhere in the world, underlines the leading position enjoyed by the ILA for the presentation of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, and this event is being used to give many of them their first public showing.
The organisers of the largest ILA ever, Bundesverband der Deutschen Luft- und Raumfahrtindustrie e.V. (BDLI), Berlin, representing the German aerospace industry, and Messe Berlin GmbH, have given the following assessments of this event:
“The ILA presents the achievements of an industry that is expanding all over the world. The German aerospace industry will be demonstrating the capabilities and innovative strengths that have made it one of the few industries in this country with sustained growth. What we are presenting at the ILA is a combination of outstanding technological achievement, commercial success and the sheer fascination of flight.”
Raimund Hosch, CEO of Messe Berlin GmbH, drew attention to the successful expansion of the ILA since its return to its original venue: “The ILA is now acknowledged as one of the world's largest aerospace fairs. Since 1992 the numbers of exhibitors, aircraft and conferences at this venue in Berlin/Brandenburg have doubled. The ILA gives a boost to business and science in the entire region, and in particular it also underlines the importance of Berlin/Brandenburg as a centre for aviation.”
The conferences accompanying the fair are another unique feature of the ILA. This year the supporting programme of the ILA comprises some 90 conventions, conferences and seminars (2004: 70) for experts from every area of business in the aerospace sector. With all these meetings the ILA2006 offers twice as many information events than any comparable aerospace fair. The International Suppliers' Center (ISC) and ILA Space World also give an added dimension to the ILA2006.
The ILA2006 will be opened on 16 May during the official tour of the fair by the Federal Minister of Economics Michael Glos.
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