ILA2004: Forum for Military Aviation, Defense Technology, Space

ILA2004: Forum for Military Aviation, Defense Technology, Space

(Source: ILA; issued March 5, 2004)

BERLIN — Since its return to Berlin, ILA has reflected, more than any other international aerospace exhibition, the development of NATO from the Partnership for Peace initiative to its eastward enlargement and the establishment of a far-reaching partnership with Russia. Thanks to its coverage of security policy, ILA has become an outstanding forum for discussions and contacts between the industry and the armed forces.

–NATO enlargement places ILA2004 right at the heart of the new Europe
In 2004, when the Atlantic Alliance will have acquired seven new members from Central Europe – Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia and Slovakia – ILA will not only be the ideal platform for discussing security matters and the improvement of cooperation in the defense technology sector, but also for presenting combat aircraft, helicopters and, increasingly, unmanned vehicles (UAV/UCAV).

–Air lift – a key topic
In addition to the display of state-of-the-art combat aircraft, helicopters and UAV/UCAV from East and West, particular attention will be paid to the fields of air-lift capacity, equipment, guided missiles, logistics, simulation and training. At ILA2004, the subject of European air-lift capability will center around the Airbus A400M program and the provisional measures to be taken until the new European transport aircraft goes into service.

–Bundeswehr and international armed forces well represented
At ILA2002 the Bundeswehr and its various arms of service displayed the entire spectrum of its airborne weapons systems and ground services. Air forces from all parts of the globe, especially from the U.S., France, Greece, Italy, Spain and Switzerland, were among the international exhibitors at ILA2002. NATO was again represented with its AWACS Boeing E-3A Sentry. The current preparations for ILA2004 are building on these activities.

–International conferences and meetings
High-ranking delegations, the traditional meeting of the European chiefs of air staff, and numerous bilateral armaments conferences made ILA2002 into an international forum of military aviation, defense technology and security policy. This forum was accompanied by more than 20 conferences on international cooperation in the fields of air-lift capability, defense technology, and the development of weapon systems and equipment.

ILA2004: TOP EVENT OF THE AIR TRANSPORT INDUSTRY

Air transport will be the largest sector at ILA2004. ILA will not only be the European showcase for modern passenger and cargo aircraft but also a platform for the presentation of components, systems and equipment, cockpit and cabin systems, engines, landing gear systems as well as maintenance and testing equipment.

Particular interest will be focused on the Airbus A380 megaliner, which will be in an advanced stage of assembly when the exhibition opens. Thus ILA2004 will offer an ideal opportunity of presenting A380 components and systems to international representatives of the industry.

Its favorable geographical location makes ILA the gateway to the European Union, the world’s second largest air transport market, to the new EU member countries, the emerging countries of Central and Eastern Europe, and to Russia. More than 40 airlines, including the fast-growing low-cost carriers, and 80% of Europe’s aerospace companies are based within a radius of just two flight hours from Berlin. ILA is thus able to attract target groups that cannot be reached by any other trade fair in a comparable way.

–Focus on technical services
Whether it is a question of logistics or maintenance, air transport turned into a global high-tech industry long ago. With an annual turnover of more than US$ 30 billion worldwide, the industry is currently entering a phase of realignment. ILA 2004 will be the ideal forum for providers of technical services, including IT services.

–Forum for Safety & Security
More than any other mode of transport, air travel is threatened by international terrorism. By introducing the additional key topic of “Safety & Security”, ILA2004 will respond to the implications this has for the air transport sector. Decision-makers in the fields of politics, air transport and the aerospace industry are invited to come to ILA 2004 to discuss new security systems which afford protection without restricting freedom of movement. For the industry, ILA2004 will be an excellent platform to present the latest security products.

ILA2004: PLENTY OF SPACE FOR SPACE TECHNOLOGY

Space technology has traditionally been one of ILA’s key sectors. Thanks to its move to Berlin, ILA is now an ideal forum for the dialogue between politicians, media representatives and multipliers. The Fair itself has established as a meeting place for the German, European and international aerospace communities.

At ILA2004 there will be a special focus on the development of conventional and reusable launch systems, the use of the International Space Station (ISS), and the application of satellite technology in the fields of communication, navigation (Galileo), and earth observation.

With the Space Activity Hall, which was jointly designed by ESA, DLR and the German aerospace industry, ILA has been setting standards for years. In its function as a communication center, the Space Activity Hall is highly regarded by aerospace experts and friends.

In addition, international exhibitors from the space industry will be given the opportunity of concentrating their exhibition stands in a joint Space area.

ILA2004 will build on the success of ILA2002. Preparations for an international conference program on security and defense technology issues are already under way.

Defence Aerospace.com