SPACE PAVILION

WITH ITS NUMEROUS INNOVATIONS

and advanced technologies, the ILA Berlin Air Show 2016 demonstrated the capabilities and achievements of the global aerospace industry. A wide range of the latest high-tech products as well as research and development projects were displayed by the 1,017 exhibitors from 37 countries. During this four-day event, 1,50,000 trade visitors and members of the public thronged the 2,50,000 square-metre Berlin Expo Centre Airport. ILA 2016 was organised by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Messe Berlin GmbH.

Some 200 aircraft were featured in the static and flying displays. For the professionals, there were 50 conferences providing details about the latest developments in the industry. Digitalisation and 3D printing, Industry 4.0 and eco-efficiency were among the main themes. The many high-tech products on view at the new Future Lab on the stand of the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs provided insights into the technological future of the aerospace industry. The Start-up Day was another new feature this year that enabled 50 newly established companies to present their creative ideas and business models which have the potential to benefit the aerospace industry in the future.

Volker Thum, Chief Executive of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), said, “ILA 2016 is synonymous with innovation and leadership in aerospace. It dealt selectively

One of the big attractions was the demonstration flights of the Swiss national team. For many years Patrouille Suisse has been using the ILA for one of its rare foreign appearances. There were also breathtaking displays by individual aircraft: a German Air Force Eurofighter, a MiG-29 from the Polish Air Force and a Chinook heavy-lift helicopter from Boeing. The highlight of the presentation by the Bundeswehr was provided by the various displays offering impressive proof of the range of capabilities of military aviation. THOR from Airbus is the first aircraft to be produced almost entirely by 3D printing. Numerous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for civilian and military use were also on show at ILA 2016. Multicopters were deployed in the first Copter Race to be held at the show in which these miniature remote-controlled aircraft flew around a course at speeds of up to 100 kmph. The International Suppliers’ Centre (ISC) was the ideal marketing platform for the entire supply industry with a substantial increase in international involvement and the participation of many more leading decision-makers compared with the last ILA. One of the main highlights was the Space Pavilion, which provided trade visitors and the public with graphic illustrations