The most important meeting place for the industry this year on the European continent presents numerous innovations and advanced technology.Air Show and first appearances by new aircraft delight the public –Attendance by trade visitors and the public totals 150,000. With its numerous innovations and advanced technology the ILA Berlin Air Show 2016 demonstrates the capabilities and achievements of all areas of the global aerospace industry. From 1 to 4 June 2016 a wide range of the latest hi-tech products as well as research and development projects were displayed by the 1,017 exhibitors from 37 countries. During this four-day event 150,000 trade visitors and members of the public thronged the 250,000 square-metre Berlin ExpoCenter Airport. Some 200 aircraft were featured in the static and flying displays. For the professionals there were 50 congresses and 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 addressed by the conferences. The many hi-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 Startup Day was another new feature this year, and 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): “The past four days have clearly shown that ILA 2016 is synonymous with Innovation and Leadership in Aerospace. It dealt selectively with forward-looking topics in our outward looking industry, including sustainability, digitalisation, 3D printing and Industry 4.0. The past four days have given a significant impetus to these advanced areas, which our industry will be able to exploit in its efforts to implement innovative developments in cutting edge technology. I am particularly pleased with the entirely positive feedback from our exhibitors from all over the world. The wide and varied programme of flying displays provided impressive proof of the fascination exerted by our products.“

Dr. Christian Göke, Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH: “With its display of advanced technologies and innovative products ILA 2016 presented the capabilities and achievements of all areas of the global aerospace industry. Experts and professionals were able to obtain a comprehensive overview of the market and they held discussions at the more than 50 conferences, workshops and seminars. Once again this year the Berlin Air Show enabled enthusiastic spectators to experience the fascination of aviation and the space industry in all their different facets.”

Highlights of the flying display this year included the new Airbus flagship, the A350XWB, and the A320neo, fitted with its new and more environmentally friendly engines. The tanker and transport aircraft, the Airbus A330 MRTT, made its debut at the ILA. Visitors have been able to inspect the world’s two largest commercial aircraft, the Airbus A380 in Emirates livery, and a Boeing 747-8 from the Lufthansa fleet, on the ground. The Bluecopter from Airbus Helicopters represents a new generation of helicopters. One of the big attractions was provided by 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. T.H.O.R. 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 kilometres per hour.

The International Suppliers’ Center 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 of the benefits that space research offers mankind. The new HeliLounge was the main meeting place for the rotary wing sector. In the mission pavilion the Bundeswehr and the military aircraft industry demonstrated the effective cooperation that ensures the operational capabilities of their aircraft. The German Aerospace Center impressed trade visitors and the public alike with the majority of its fleet of research aircraft and details about its full range of research projects. During the two public days the ILA CareerCenter, Germany’s largest aerospace job market, was the main attraction for young people with an interest in one of the many exciting careers in aviation and the space industry.

ILA 2016 was opened by Federal Minister for Economics Sigmar Gabriel. Representing the German cabinet, Federal Defence Minister Dr. Ursula von der Leyen and Federal Minister of Transport Alexander Dobrindt paid visits to the ILA. High-ranking delegations from Germany and around the world also attended the show. 3,300 journalists from 50 countries obtained accreditation for the ILA Berlin Air Show 2016.

ILA 2016 was organised by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and Messe Berlin GmbH.
all picture: Messe Berlin GmbH