AAD2014 takes to Tshwane skies

What began as a recreational pursuit in 1975 at a hotchpotch Lanseria Airport, the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition has now evolved into the biggest aerospace exhibition in the southern hemisphere.

With attendance of some 347 exhibitors from 26 countries at last event (AAD2012), which attracted 40,000 trade visitors, it has grown into a fully-fledged international aerospace exhibition catering for entire sub-Saharan aviation and aerospace exhibition requirements.

According to Michelle Nxumalo, marketing and research manager at the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD), the South African Defence Industry (SADI) comprises companies in the public and private sectors which provide products and services to security forces, thus forming one of the key strategic industrial sectors of the South African economy.

A platform to encourage exports

"Though smaller in size than the defence industries of competing countries, the SADI's capabilities range from systems engineering and integration, to the design, development, manufacture and maintenance of complex systems and their related electronics.

"While it is necessary for the SADI to retain core competencies, capacities, capabilities and technologies domestically, exports are equally important for the long-term survival of the industry, hence the increased international market penetration, to become a global player. Accordingly, international joint ventures, equity partnerships and strategic alliances have been established with defence-related companies in more than 20 countries, with the SADI exporting approximately more than 60% of its products to clients all over the globe," she explained.

She said Defence exhibitions, provide a platform for the South African Defence industry to exhibit and demonstrate its capabilities and encourage exports, which play a major role in the South African economy.

Value and contribution to the economy (AAD 2012)
• Total demand from exhibition R199.4 million
• Total economic output R684.5 million
• Taxation revenues R55.2 million
• Employment creation 2,055 jobs
• Value of local PR & media R27.3 million
• Value of foreign PR & media R5.9 million
• Economic output from business procured R157 million
• Medium-term tourism impact R1.1 billion

Key players:

Major stakeholders for the event included the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (Caasa), Armaments Corporation (Armscor), SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industry Association (AMD) as well as Department of Defence.

That in addition to some 300 defence and aerospace companies that will exhibit at AAD2014, comprising local and international firms.

How it has changed in last 20 years

According to Michelle Nxumalo, over the last few years, the profile of the industry has evolved and today the SADI is a non-aligned world- class industry that supplies equipment and services to the global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) in the aerospace, maritime and landward environments.

"Characterised by engineering ingenuity, technological innovativeness, affordability, reliability and cost-effectiveness, the SADI is a partner of choice for many who seek state-of-the-art defence equipment, including multilateral organisations involved in peacekeeping operations, as well as countries seeking to equip their defence establishments," maintained Nxumalo.

Future attractions:

"On the show side, we are investigating innovative ways to best serve the interests of all our stakeholders and this includes the possibility of a demonstration area for things like unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), as well as thematic exhibition areas that would profile a specific capability e.g. IT in defence; communications, protective clothing etc.

"Equally, on the industry side we have the much-awaited fleet procurement by the national carrier which has potential to benefit the industry, by deepening its integration into the global aerospace supply chain, particularly in the aerostructures and electronics / avionics areas. UAVs remain an area of future growth in both the defence and commercial /civil environments. And space, specifically satellite manufacturing is another.

The Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition

The 8th AAD take place from 17-19 September 2014 at AFB Waterkloof, Centurion, City of Tshwane, South Africa. It is one of the world's premier Aerospace and Defence exhibitions and has become a major attraction on the Aviation and Defence calendar, and once again will bring together various industries from around the world to showcase latest technological innovations.

AAD 2012 Facts and Figures
• 7 hangars
• 15 national Pavilions
• 347 exhibitors from 26 countries
• 40,000 trade visitors from 101 countries
• 92,983 general public visitors
• 61 official delegations from 26 Countries
• 84 aircraft civil and military static display
• 300 accredited Journalists from all over the world
• 600 pieces of coverage about the Exhibition & Air Show

For details go to: www.aadexpo.co.za