South Africa, 23rd
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 19th 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
· 10th anniversary of the Youth Development Programme (YDP)
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