AAD2012 ends on a high

Africa’s largest exhibition of air, sea and land capabilities exceed all expectation 

South Africa, 23^rd September 2012 – City of Tshwane saw the return of Africa’s largest exhibition of air, sea and land capabilities at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2012 (AAD2012) at AFB Waterkloof. From 19 to 21 September 2012, trade and static displays attracted more than 40,000 trade visitors from 28 countries, followed by an Air Show on 22 and 23 September 2012 that attracted over 95,000 members of the public.

The exhibition was officially opened on the 19^th September 2012 by the Minister of Defence, the honourable Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, where military veterans and 350 exhibitors were addressed.    

“AAD presents an opportunity for the world’s military and defence professionals to gather together to build and nurture the relationships that the Minister highlighted in her welcoming speech,” says Leon Dillman, AAD show director.

Several high profile product launches took place during the three trade days, while the 120 visiting delegations from the defence and aviation industry gained insights into new technologies.

The exhibition filled seven hangars at the AFB Waterkloof, in addition to more than 90 aircraft parked on the base’s aprons, in static displays. “There were many terrestrial vehicles on display too, in addition to exhibitions of related disciplines like the medical and veterinary units that play a very important role in the military,” Dillman adds. “Our Youth Development Programme was very successful, as 3000 students from previously disadvantaged areas engaged with members of the military to identify future career opportunities.”

On the 22 and 23 September 2012, the public were treated to a mass parachute drop, a mini war re-enactment, 35 aircraft participating in aerobatic displays and the very popular truck and armoured vehicle displays at the mobility demonstration track.

“While the weather on the Saturday caused some logistical problems, the local favourites like the Gripen, Hawk and Silver Falcons excited the crowds, making it a thrilling day, regardless of the weather conditions,” says Dillman.

“AFB Waterkloof was very accommodating in welcoming AAD back to its traditional home in City of Tshwane. The AAD2014 dates have been set for 17-21 September 2014, when we will once again proudly present Africa’s largest display of military and aviation technology,” concludes Dillman.

AAD2012 FAST FACTS

·         7 hangars
·         92 civil and military static aircraft
·         350 exhibitors
·         40% foreign exhibitors
·         Over 300 accredited media from all over the world
·         61 foreign delegations
·         12 NATIONAL PAVILIONS
       India, Russia, Turkey, Italy, Germany, Belgium, China, USA, UK, Romania, Pakistan and  
      Brazil
·         28 COUNTRIES EXHIBITORS
       Austria, Belarus, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Namibia,
      Netherlands, P.R. China, Pakistan, Malaysia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Bulgaria, South
      Africa, Spain, Sweden, Norway, Turkey, UK, Ukraine, Finland, USA
·         10^th anniversary of the Youth Development Programme (YDP)