Over 300 Exhibitors From 28 Countries, 30,800 Industry Visitors From Around The Globe In Attendance

For four days last week, pilots and aviation experts flocked to the Aero-EXPO 2012 international aviation show in Friedrichshafen, Germany. A total of 550 exhibitors from across the entire spectrum of general aviation were present at the exhibition grounds. The aircraft represented ranged from ultralights to business jets, but they all had one thing in common - making the dream of flight a reality. 30,800 industry visitors, down slightly from 2011, made for a industry meeting at the highest international level: “We welcomed a highly-specialized audience to the Aero”, said Messe Friedrichshafen CEO Klaus Wellmann and project leader Roland Bosch, in summing up the positive results of the show. The show took place over an intense four days. Feedback from exhibitors shows that they were very pleased with the results of the show: “Good international business contacts and plenty of new contracts” sums up the comments of Aero 2012 exhibitors.

Everything general aviation was ready for takeoff at the show. Ultralight and Very Light Aircraft (VLA), one and two-engine aircraft, turboprops and gyrocopters, kits and trikes as well as the entire world of suppliers and service providers. Maintenance, avionics and the latest business jets in general aviation moved into position, complemented by electric aircraft and helicopters. “The new Engine Area was especially well-received” reported Roland Bosch.

The business of aircraft, aerial vehicles and the large number of suppliers are clearly at the center of the AERO. The AERO aviation show is the first address in Europe for any company working in general aviation. Project leader Roland Bosch is convinced that show, held on the shore of Lake Constance, is also an important meeting place for industry experts. “Engineers and builders have discussions here, we have a high level exchange of high tech experience. This is where new innovations are born and new ideas become reality. You could say that the Aero is the motor for new developments and new impulses, it’s the networking partner for the aviation industry. High-level air traffic regulatory institutions from the United States and Europe met for the first time in Friedrichshafen. This is also a clear sign of the role that the Aero plays in international air transport.

Christian Dries, CEO, Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH, sees the development of the Aero over the past few years as very positive: “This year’s show was the best yet. The Aero was the ideal platform to present our two premiere aircraft.” Walter da Costa, Sales Manager, Tecnam: “Like every year, the Aero is where we go to meet all of our international dealers and customers. We successfully presented our new aircraft. We expect to conclude about 35 new contracts by the close of the show. We are very satisfied.” For Dr. Nicolas von Mende, CEO, Atlas Air Service and a provider of business aircraft, the Aero offers three decisive factors which are especially important for his business: “The location is perfect, because our stand at the static display is directly connected to the adjacent airport and runway.” In Friedrichshafen, we were able to make some new and very promising customer contacts. An additional advantage lies in the fact that we are able to cultivate relationships with our existing regular customers at our newly designed stand. Customers from Germany and neighboring countries came to see us. We are very pleased with how the Aero went.”

After several difficult years, manufacturers in general aviation are optimistic again. The strength of the German economy and rising growth in other European countries and the United States are leading to a marked rise in demand in several areas of general aviation. Ultralight aircraft are in, and economic machines are in very high demand. The introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient diesel and hybrid motors as well as electric motors that are as quiet as a whisper are some of the new incentives for potential buyers. The fourth e-flight expo once again focused on everything having to do with alternative propulsion in aviation, in other words on modern and efficient electric and hybrid engines. Helicopter fans got their money’s worth in the helicopter hangar. Attendance at over 120 high-level lectures at the Aero conference was also strong. For the future, the Aero team wants to bring the next generation on board and get them excited about careers in the cockpit.

The next Aero will take place from April 24th to 27th 2013 at the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen.

FMI: www.aero-expo.com