Aero 2009 Records Stable High-level Results

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AERO Friedrichshafen continues to consolidate its strong position. Indeed, leading general aviation companies have expanded their presence at the international aviation trade show. In the run-up to this year's start, AERO is reporting an increase of used exhibition space in excess of 10 percent. From April 2nd to 5th, approximately 500 firms will present the entire spectrum of general aviation products and services at AERO 2009 in Friedrichshafen. The event will occupy eleven trade show halls, compared to the previous seven. Over half of the exhibition space (52 percent) will be used by aviation companies from outside Germany to present their products and services. The contingent of American companies will again form the largest non-German group of exhibitors at AERO 2009.

"AERO is strategically important for the world's general aviation industry, " says trade show director Klaus Wellmann. "We are particularly pleased to once more be able to report stable results, even in these economically challenging times." It will all be there in Friedrichshafen, from parachuting and hang gliding to ultralight aircraft, gliders, power gliders, single- and twin-engine aircraft, and business jets. Further exhibition sections have been added for 2009: The entire field of rotorcraft will be under one roof in the Helicopter Hangar, while E-FLIGHT-EXPO will showcase the latest alternative innovations in aviation propulsion.

The international offering of AERO

The leading international general aviation manufacturers will take part in AERO 2009. In fact, some of them have considerably increased the size of their exhibition floor space. Over all, approximately 500 firms from 23 countries will exhibit in Friedrichshafen. "We're pleased about the continuing strong participation of US companies. In fact, after Germany, they put together the largest national contingent at AERO, " stressed Project Director Thomas Grunewald. Companies from the Czech Republic form the second largest group of non-German exhibitors.

Aviation facts & figures

General aviation encompasses all of civil aviation with the exception of commercial airline and charter operations. In Europe alone, its market volume (aircraft and services) is estimated to amount to several billion euros. According to EU data, there are nearly 200,000 aircraft and gliders in Europe. Some 50,000 general aviation aircraft powered with piston or jet engines and up to 200,000 ultralight aircraft and gliders are currently operational. Germany is by far the world's largest manufacturer of gliders in all classes.

The new E-FLIGHT-EXPO

The demand for environmentally friendly aviation is the focus of E-FLIGHT-EXPO, which will be presented as a "trade show within a trade show". Among the exhibited products will be aircraft with electrical propulsion, new solar technologies and innovative propulsion concepts. The 'E' featured in the concept's name stands for Ecological, Electrical and Evolutionary. The E-FLIGHT-EXPO (www.e-flight-expo.de) is an integral part of AERO and is organized by Messe Friedrichshafen in collaboration with the World Directory of Leisure Aviation (www.widola.com).

AERO CONFERENCE

The AERO CONFERENCE is a professionally interesting and stimulating feature of the supporting program at AERO. Among its guest speakers will be Dr. Norbert Lohl, Certification Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), Craig L. Fuller, the newly selected president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) of the United States, and Alan Klapmeier of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Strategic partners

AERO is building a strategic partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in the United States. In addition, the AOPA Germany and the Deutsche Aero Club serve as ideal supporting organizations of AERO 2009. Also represented are the German helicopter association (DHV), the association of German commercial aircraft schools (VDV), and Germany's federal association of commercial aircraft companies (BBAL).

Aviation experts in conversation

The aim of AERO is to be a source of inspiration for Europe's general aviation industry. Economic and ecological issues concerning the general aviation industry are its focus: What is the future of aviation propulsion? Diesel rather than avgas? And what about biofuel? How long before electrically powered aircraft are mass-produced? To explore the answers to these questions, the LPC, Germany's aviation press club, and the SAJ, Switzerland's association of aviation journalists, hold a panel discussion of prominent experts. The LPC and SAJ will once more use AERO as a large-scale forum for this occasion.

Trade Show Hall A1: Gliders

AERO is the largest meeting place for the glider industry and the only trade show in the world at which the entire industry is represented. This year, the world's leading manufacturers of gliders will again gather in Friedrichshafen. Of the over 70,000 "flying" members of the Deutsche Aero Club (DAeC), nearly 37,000 began their recreational flying careers with gliders. This figure alone demonstrates the great importance of this AERO exhibition area in Trade Show Hall A1. The Deutsche Aero Club will also present themselves there.

The ultralight and very light aircraft industry

Also strongly and comprehensively represented at AERO 2009 is the ultralight and very light aircraft (VLA) industry. According to Germany's ultralight aircraft association (DULF), these aircraft constitute the newest general aviation category, having permanently established themselves in recent years in history of aviation. At AERO 2009, Europe's leading UL and VLA manufacturers will present themselves across a considerably larger exhibition floor than at AERO 2007. Exhibited aircraft will range from motorized hang gliders to high-tech aeronautical devices. Even gyroplanes, the latest addition to the UL family, will be presented at AERO.

Air Show on Saturday and Sunday

Weekend visitors of AERO 2009 will be treated to an air show. New aircraft, double-deckers, stunt pilots, formation demonstrations and legendary flying machines will all take to the skies as part of AERO. The Air Show will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday, April 4th and Sunday, April 5th. The entire flight schedule is now available online.

Landing at Friedrichshafen subject to PPR

As in 2007, those piloting their own aircraft to Friedrichshafen Airport to attend AERO are required to pre-arrange a slot. Friedrichshafen Airport and Messe Friedrichshafen are currently preparing the previously proven, online-based slot assignment system. As of early March, all important information regarding the landing process will be available to visitors on the Internet.

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