Tag Archives: AAD2022

AAD2022 closes on a high note

Working against the clock in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers of Africa
Aerospace and Defence (AAD) stand proud for having delivered yet another signature event
this year.


The 11th edition of this long-standing event took place at Air Force Base Waterkloof (AFBW)
in Pretoria from 21 to 25 September, under the theme: “Exploring New Paths, Sharing
Solutions, Showcasing Innovation and Capabilities.”


As the executive chairman of the AAD2022 organising committee Sandile Ndlovu, who is also Executive Director of the South African Aerospace, Maritime, and Defence Industry
Association (AMD), the lead partner that hosted AAD2022, said in his welcome message:


“We have worked hard to ensure that every participant at this edition of AAD will have value
for money; we have adopted a diversification strategy that ensures the continued relevance
of AAD in this fast-changing world.”
The partners are AMD, Armscor, the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa
(CAASA), supported by the Department of Defence.


Over the intervening 20 years, AAD has firmly established a winning format, which was
replicated again. Thus, AAD2022 comprised exhibition stands to showcase capabilities, static
aircraft park, air show days, and runway-facing hospitality chalets. This was augmented with
mobility demonstrations for land and air technologies, coupled to live screening of
demonstrations – now including UAV display flights. In parallel, conferences and seminars
were hosted, and significant opportunities for B2B meetings.


In spite of the long hiatus since the last edition of AAD (2018), coupled with the many global
uncertainties that prevailed post the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, all efforts paid off:
AAD2022 attracted 203 exhibitors from 24 countries of which nine (9) displayed their
aerospace and defence products in national pavilions.

These included China, the USA, Türkiye
(with two pavilions), Italy, Belgium, and India.
Among the 24 nations from around the world, six were from Africa, namely Nigeria, South
Africa, Egypt, Uganda, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

No less than 51 official delegations from 29 countries attended the event, as well as 176
accredited media from around the world. Just over 23 000 trade visitors came in from 76
countries, while 51 228 general public visitors were attracted to the show, especially during
the public air show on the weekend days of 24 and 25 September.


In her opening address, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise had this to
say about AAD:


“Let us never underestimate the critical importance of this event. It is more than a show. It is more than an exhibition. It is an investment.”
Youth Development Programme (YDP)


Though not specifically referencing the youth programme, the Minister’s pronouncement
certainly applied to investing in the youth.
With a target of 10 000 learners, this year’s initiative reached 9 100 learners and students
from around the country, including from Cape Town and Durban who arrived courtesy of
South African Airways (SAA).

Whilst at AAD2022, these youth were exposed to career opportunities in the military and civilian defence and Aerospace space, artificial intelligence (AI) drone capabilities and other high-level technologies. Pilots from the US and South African air forces, as well as scientists from South Africa’s CSIR and America’s National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) briefed the learners on aviation and space technology and careers, as well as the importance of embracing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects at school.


Among the firsts for AAD were flying displays of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), often now
referred to as drones or RPAS (remotely piloted aircraft systems).

The show organisers succeeded in having the United Nations (UN) as a first-time participant in a UAV conference on 21 September, which was well attended.


The Counter-Terrorism, Technology and Development in Africa conference on 22 September also brought the University of Hungary as a first-time international university participant, along with South Africa’s own University of Stellenbosch.


In like vein, the American space agency NASA, jointly with the UN and Italy, was a first for AAD
through their participation in the General Aviation conference on 23 September.

Other firsts/highlights for AAD included a general aviation hub, full participation by the South
African Police Service (SAPS) in both a display and demonstration, a Department of Trade,
Industry and Competition (dtic) pavilion dedicated to small and medium enterprises (SMEs),as well as the online DefenceWeb official Show Daily, a new media partner (CNBC Africa), and transport shuttle partner (SANI Rental).


Some highlights noted by South African Air Force (SAAF) officers were the participation of the
SAAF Gripens and in-flight refuelling of a US Air Force Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk by a HC-130J
Super Hercules.


Affirming support and commitment to the success for AAD2024, scheduled for 18 to 22
September 2024, Armscor Chief Executive Officer Solomzi Mbada said AAD2022 “exceeded
all expectations.” In the latest Armscor newsletter, Mbada said this was evidenced by
“positive participation in both the exhibition and air show across categories, including
exhibitors, trade visitors, foreign delegations, air forces and the general public.”


With Covid-19 hopefully out of the way, the AAD show organisers – under the guidance of
Armscor as lead partner – are now gearing for the next event.

With more than 18 months to go, the organisers have sufficient time to build on the success of AAD2022, and once again stage a spectacular event: one that has grown to be a significant game changer in the defence and aerospace ecosystem.

AAD 2022 is Ready!

With Africa’s Largest Trade Exhibition and Airshow around the corner that will be taking place at Air force base Waterkloof in the city of Tshwane, South Africa.Its officially show time!

Aviation Enthusiasts will be treated to a world class airshow after the last AAD that was due to take place in 2020,but got cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic which obviously put a hold to many other events not just AAD.

AAD2022

This year’s show will include a number of favorites with the recently returned to airworthy status, 2 Squadron Gripens that’s will definitely ensure pure air power growl to the general public flown by veteran Gripen display pilots.

2 Squadron Gripen

85 Combat Flying School will be flying a singleton Hawk MK120 display. 15 Squadron “Charlie” Flight will also be a welcome return to the display scene after a few years absence in their BK117s,based at Air Force Station Gqeberha.

15 Squadron “Charlie flight” BK117 & 16 Squadron Rooivalk

The cockpit ambassadors of the South African Airforce will fly a four ship display of Pilatus PC-7MKIIs, based at the Central Flying School, Langebaanweg on the Capes West coast.

Silver Falcons

Always a great crowd pleaser will see 16 Squadron in the form of a Rooivalk Attack helicopter will also put through its paces.
A few more surprises and assests will also be on display especially in the SANDF mini war.

The South African Airforce Museum will also give a number of aircraft to be put on display including, Harvards, Cessna C185s, Alouette II, Alouette III and the Aerospatiale Puma and much more.

Hawk MK120

From the civilian side it will be the first airshow appearance of Flysafair’s Boeing 737-800 and joining in will be a SAFAIR Lockheed L100-30 (known as the civilian C130 Hercules)

Hangar 51 also doing their first show on the Highveld with the Aero L29 Delphin and YAK 52. Coming all the way from Port Elizabeth.

Hangar 51s Aero L29

The United States Air Force (USAF) will have a large contingent of aircraft flying in. Two C17 Globemasters, KC135R, KC46 Pegasus, C130J, MQ-9 Reaper drone and a UH-60 Blackhawk which will fly in the show.

USAF C130J

From our neighbouring countries we will welcome back AAD past performers that being the Airforce of Zimbabwe with a K-8 jet trainer in a display and a Casa 212 as static.

Airforce of Zimbabwe K-8

More civilian acts that are expected will be Menno Parsons in his P51D “Mustang Sally”, a privately owned L39 Albatross, Two different Pitts Special Teams, Puma Flying Lions, Extra 330s and much more. There will be surprises so make sure you buy your tickets and get to AAD2022!

P51D “Mustang Sally”
Iveco Extra 330s

Aviation Central will bring your live coverage from the event. Days leading up from arrivals to updates ect.

The Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade exhibition and Airshow will run as follows

21-23 September (Trade Days)
24-25th September (Airshow Days)

AFB Waterkloof, City of Tshwane
South Africa

Tickets available at Computicket!

AAD2022 Site Map

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Also Read About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022) and USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD




    USAF Aircraft Coming to AAD

    Also, see About Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD2022)

    With this year’s Africa Aerospace and Defence Trade and Airshow around the corner. The anticipation is now here!

    A number of United States Aircraft will be coming to Airforce Base Waterkloof from the 21-25th of September 2022.

    First on the list is the Boeing C17 Globemaster, the McDonnell Douglas/Boeing C-17 Globemaster III is a large military transport aircraft that was developed for the United States Air Force (USAF) from the 1980s to the early 1990s by McDonnell Douglas. There will be two C17s at this year’s AAD.

    Click here to View the full Aircraft list

    Boeing C17 Globemaster

    The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker is an American military aerial refueling aircraft that was developed from the Boeing 367-80 prototype, alongside the Boeing 707 airliner. It is the predominant variant of the C-135 Stratolifter family of transport aircraft.

    Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker

    The C-130J is the newest version of the C-130 Hercules and the only model in production. As of March 2022, 500 C-130J aircraft were delivered to 26 operators in 22 countries.

    C130J

    The Boeing KC-46 Pegasus is an American military aerial refueling and strategic military transport aircraft developed by Boeing from its 767 jet airliner. In February 2011, the tanker was selected by the United States Air Force (USAF) as the winner in the KC-X tanker competition to replace older Boeing KC-135 Stratotankers. The US Air Force intends to procure 179 Pegasus aircraft by 2027.

    KC46 Pegasus

    The Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-engine, medium-lift utility military helicopter manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft. Sikorsky submitted the S-70 design for the United States Army’s Utility Tactical Transport Aircraft System competition in 1972. The UH-60 will also provide an air display.

    UH-60

    More aircraft will be added to the aircraft list soon including a number of South African Airforce Favourites.

    Africa Aerospace and Defence trade show will be on 21-23 September and the two airshow days are 24th & 25th September 2022 at Airforce Base Waterkloof, City of Tshwane, South Africa.

    AAD 2022 Aircraft list

    AAD2022

    To be finalized in September 2022

    This is a preliminary list of aircraft to be expected to be seen at Africa Aerospace and Defence 2022.

    This is not the final list and is based on speculation
    Aircraft can be added or removed or even no-show at all.
    For the official aircraft list please
    click here

    Ticked information click here


    Aircraft list as Compiled by Aviation Central 

    The list is not final and will change

    Aircraft Country of Origin  Company / Air Force Confirmed Yes / No / TBC Flying  /  Static
    Lockheed L100 South Africa SAFAIR Yes Flying 
    Boeing 738 South Africa FlySafair Yes Flying
    P51D Mustang South Africa Master Power Technologies Yes Flying
    2 x C-17 Globemaster  USA USAF Yes Static
    Lockheed C130J USA USAF Yes Static/TBC
    KC-135R USA USAF Yes Static
    KC-46 Pegasus  USA USAF Yes Static
    UH-60 USA USAF Yes Flying
    MQ-9 USA USAF Yes Static 
    Silver Falcons South Africa SAAF-Central Flying School Yes Flying
    Rooivalk South Africa SAAF-16 Squadron Yes Flying
    Aero L29 South Africa Hangar 51 Confirmed Flying
    YAK 52 South Africa Hangar 51 TBC Flying
    BK117 South Africa SAAF-15 Squadron “Charlie” Flight Yes Flying
    SAAB Gripen South Africa SAAF- 2 Squadron Yes Flying
     BAE Hawk MK120 South Africa SAAF- 85 Combat Flying School Yes Flying
    T6 Harvard South Africa SAAF Museum Yes Flying
    Alouette II South Africa SAAF Museum Yes Flying
    Alouette III South Africa SAAF Museum Yes Flying
    SAPS Airwing Sovereign  South Africa SA Police Airwing Yes Flying
    Goodyear Pitts South Africa  Aerobatics Unlimited  Yes Flying
    Oryx South Africa SAAF Yes Flying
    Agusta A109LUH  South Africa SAAF Yes Flying
    Kudu  South Africa SAAF Museum Yes Flying
    Bosbok South Africa SAAF Museum  Yes Flying
    Cessna C185 South Africa SAAF Museum  Yes Flying
    Westland Lynx Mk300 South Africa SAAF-22 Squadron  TBC Static
    Casa 212 South Africa  SAAF-44 Squadron TBC TBC
    Cessna 208A Caravan  South Africa SAAF-41 Squadron TBC TBC
    Lockheed C130BZ South Africa SAAF- 28 Squadron Yes Flying
    Beechcraft KingAir 200 South Africa SAAF- 41 Squadron TBC TBC
    Casa 212 Zimbabwe Airforce of Zimbabwe Yes Static
    Karakorum K-8 Zimbabwe Airforce of Zimbabwe Yes Flying
    Puma South Africa SAAF Museum Confirmed  Flying
    Puma Flying Lions South Africa Academy Air Yes Flying
    Extra 330 South Africa Iveco Extras Confirmed  Flying
    Piper PA-31 Navajo South Africa  Safomar Aviation Yes Static
     Piper Cherokee 180 South Africa Safomar Aviation Yes Static
    Enstrom 280FX Shark South Africa Safomar Aviation Yes Static/TBC
    Enstrom 480B South Africa Safomar Aviation Yes Static/TBC
    Beechcraft B55 Baron South Africa Safomar Aviation Yes Static
    Stemme S 15-1 ASP  South Africa Private Yes Static
    AHRLAC  South Africa Paramount Group  TBC Static
    Tiger Moths South Africa Classic Flying Collection  Yes Flying
    L39 Albatross South Africa Private Yes Flying
    Alouette III South Africa Private Yes Flying
    Raptor RVs South Africa Private Yes Flying
    Hired Gun Pitts  South Africa Academy Air Yes Flying
    Motor Gliders  South Africa Private Yes Flying
    Magni Gyrocopter  South Africa Private  Yes Flying 
    Alouette III South Africa Private Yes Flying
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             
             

    AAD 2022 Media Launch

    We are exactly 137 days to go until AAD 2022 officially opens its doors to the world and it is indeed an exciting occasion to be launching AAD 2022 during Africa month as Africa’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition and only one of its kind, which boasts a combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show.

    ……………

    AAD 2022 OVERVIEW

    The 2018 edition ended on a positive note, and the organisers have been preparing for the 11th edition which was deferred in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

    With that said, I would like to take this opportunity to update you on the plans and theme for AAD 2022.

    Static display AAD 2018

    The upcoming AAD will be hosted from the 21 – 25 September 2022 at the AFB Waterkloof in Tshwane. The format will again comprise of three trade days and two air show days which will consist of elements:

    • Indoor and outdoor exhibitions
    • A hospitality chalet line
    • Static aircraft park
    • Capability demonstrations and displays
    • Parallel events with conferences, seminars and B2B meetings.

    AAD will once again give exhibitors and trade visitors a unique opportunity to interact directly with various stakeholders over the trade days and allow for the public to witness the spectacular display of the Aviation Sector and Airforce.

    The planning for AAD 2022 is well underway, with over 50% of the exhibition space booked. We are happy to announce the following National Pavilions confirmed namely, USA, Turkey, Italy, UK, Belgium, China, India and Pakistan —- and we look forward to announcing more country pavilions.

    AAD 2022 THEME

    The disruption and resounding impact that covid caused the world was on  a large magnitude we never imagined-……….

    This  was the driving force for the organising team to relook at the strategy for AAD future exhibitions……..

    AAD is coming from an era of unlocking the aerospace and defence potential and we are now moving into a new era

    Theme for AAD 2022

    Exploring New Paths, Sharing Solutions and Showcasing Innovation and Capabilities.

    And as part of our diversification strategy, AAD will expand the Exhibitor, Trade Visitor, Delegation and Stakeholder profiles which focuses on entering new markets and exploring new paths.

    We invite new players in the Oil & Gas, Mining and Energy sectors to participate at AAD 2022. 

    Returning to AAD 2022, is the African Unity Pavilion and we are engaging with our partners in the African Union to make this a reality, with more countries and an improved partnership. The African Unity Pavilion is crucial as we work towards implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement which was launched in January last year.

    AAD will create significant opportunities for manufacturers to interact and share solutions with potential clients, generate business 2 business linkages and form strategic partnerships between countries, institutions, and stakeholders. As part of the exhibition, we will be hosting three conferences over the three trade days in parallel to the exhibition. 

    And topics will include: 

    • Cyber security
    • UAVS
    • Medical

    Lastly we will,

    Showcase Innovation and Capabilities…The global aerospace and defence industry has developed cutting edge technology over the years and is Apex to the ecosystem. AAD will afford exhibitors locally and internationally the platform to showcase their innovative capabilities.

    And as part of this, AAD will be launching Innovation Hubs.

    —————-

    YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME

    AAD 2022 will present a world class Youth Development Programme which supports the strategic intent of AAD in creating awareness about careers in the aerospace and defence sectors to the youth of South Africa. The YDP Chairperson will give an update this morning on the plans for AAD 2022.

    ————–

    COVID – 19 

    As more and more people are getting vaccinated globally, with South Africa having passed the 30-million-mark, we welcome the announcement by the President of South Africa to lift the national state of disaster on Covid-19 in April. 

    — All health and safety standards will remain top priority for the organisers to ensure that we deliver a safe and business conducive environment for exhibitors and stakeholders.

    CONCLUSION

    We are confident that the 11th edition will  allow  participants to maximize their potential and bring even more trade visitors and delegations which are a crucial factor in the exhibition’s success. 

    We anticipate that AAD will contribute over R1 billion to the South African economy and create over 2, 000 new jobs. The 2022 event is expected to kick start the industry’s recovery programme and the recovery will translate into jobs,  more opportunities for  SMMEs  and contribution to the GDP.

    Exhibition bookings are open and we invite you,… exhibitors, sponsors and stakeholders to secure your place at Africa’s largest gathering of decision makers, innovators, government, manufacturers and buyers on the African continent. 

    On behalf of the AAD organisers, we look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful City of Tshwane on the 21st of September to the 11th edition of AAD 2022.

    All Systems go for AAD 2022

    It is all systems go for the return of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD) in September 2022. With 22 years since its inception, AAD has been instrumental in unlocking the growth of the local, regional and even the international aerospace and defence industries.

    AAD2022

    This being the 11th edition, AAD2022 will once again be held at its home base, Air Force Base Waterkloof 21 to 25 September 2022 in the City of Tshwane. The event will follow its tradition format of three trade days followed by two public air show days. The South African President, Hon Cyril Ramaphosa recently (on 5 April 2022) announced the lifting of the national state of disaster which – according to AAD organisers, cements their readiness to deliver another sterling event.

    “As organisers we are taking every step to ensure the safety of guests, exhibitors, trade visitors and participants,” said Sandile Ndlovu, Executive Committee Chairman AAD 2022.
    “The lifting of the state of the national disaster eases our preparation and planning, and it will allow us to move swiftly in finalising our official programme of events, delegations and other planned activities for AAD 2022. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure will be communicated once the Government regulations are in place, in the next 30 days. We look forward to welcoming everyone back soon”, concluded Ndlovu.

    AAD – a gateway into the African market – is the largest Defence and Aerospace exhibition on the African continent and has been an important platform for international players to showcase innovation and capability.

    Standard rates for bookings are still open and will end on 30 April 2022, when new tariffs will apply.

    SPACE AND EXHIBITION ENQUIRIES

    For more queries please contact:

    Acting Exhibition Director
    Michelle Nxumalo
    expodir@aadexpo.co.za

    Sales and Administration
    Busisiwe Nhlanhla
    sales@aadexpo.co.za

    Sponsorships and Branding
    Nakedi Phasha
    marketingcomms@aadexpo.co.za

    Finance and Administration Manager
    Portia Ngobeni
    finance@aadexpo.co.za

    Africa Aerospace and Defence postponed till 2022

    Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD), Africa’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition and airshow, scheduled to take place 16-20 September 2020, has been deferred to 21 -25 September 2022 as a result of the current global COVID-19 pandemic. This decision follows a series of events which included the close monitoring of the pandemic’s global roll-out as well
    as its prevalence in South Africa.

    The organisers announced the deferment to September
    2022 following consultations with the Department of Defence (DOD) and other key stakeholders associated with the biennial flagship event.
    The Show organisers advised that several factors were taken into consideration in arriving at
    the decision, which include – amongst others:


    ● The absolute need to ensure the battle against the Covid-19 virus is won and to further
    safeguard human lives,
    ● The severity that the pandemic has imposed on the global aviation and defence
    exhibition sector
    ● A decision by the DOD to put a hold on all foreign activities and events (inbound and
    outbound missions)
    ● South African borders remaining closed with no travelling anticipated to take place by
    September 2020.

    The announcement also comes at the time when South Africa is currently under level 3 lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which restrictions include the prohibition of any public gatherings, a trend also seen around the world during lockdown phases.
    “We are aware that the deferment of AAD 2020 comes as an additional setback to the international defence and aerospace industries, and in particular the South African industry, given that AAD Expo is identified and diarised as a platform to showcase the latest advances and technological innovations that the world’s best in aviation and defence has to offering. .

    However, everyone’s health, safety and security come first; we can and will only proceed with giving you the best of AAD when it is absolutely safe to do so. We can assure you though that we are already working and planning on delivering an enhanced AAD 2022”, said Exhibition
    Director, Leona Redelinghuys.

    The organisers will engage directly with all exhibitors whose participation had been confirmed
    for AAD2020 on various options available to them, as a result of the deferment.

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