The Africa Aerospace and Defence 2008 exhibition held in Cape Town last month “exceeded all expectations and turned out to be a resounding success”, show organisers say.
Spokesman Billy Nell says the show attracted 250 direct exhibitors, 16 000 trade visitors and 80 official foreign delegations. “This included defence officials from every SADC (Southern African Development Community) country and at least 30 other African nations.”
Also at the show, held for a second time at Ysterplaat air force base, was close to 300 international and local journalists.
Nell says “AAD proved once again that it may rightly claim to be one of the top international general aviation and defence related exhibitions in the world today.”
He adds the 2008 event was 25 % bigger than the 2006 edition, which in itself had exceeded the previous three events held at Waterkloof air force base in Pretoria.
“This event met the expectations of all interested parties; and exhibitors have confirmed that they were impressed with all the arrangements and that most of them had the opportunity to interact with decision makers and trade visitors,” Nell adds.
Following three trade days the show went public with an international air show that “thrilled approximately 60 000 spectators with some of the worlds best aerobatic displays.”
Nell says the sixth edition of AAD is set to take place from 21-25 September 2010.
“A number of new initiatives are under consideration for AAD 2010 and the organisers are already in the planning phase to implement these to further enhance what AAD can offer future exhibitors and trade visitors.”
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