Tag Archives: Africa Aerospace and Defence
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.

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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.

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.
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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.



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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.

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
Aerospace and Defence Trade Show 2021 to be showcased at Lanseria International Airport
Aerospace and Defence Trade Show 2021 to be showcased at Lanseria International Airport from 24th to 26th March |

The organisers of the AAD Expo are excited to announce a new event on their calendar, Aerospace and Defence Trade Show 2021 which will be hosted on 24 to 26 March 2021 at Lanseria International Airport (Lanseria). Leading up to Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo in September 2022, AAD continues to create platforms that will promote innovation and capabilities within the defence and aviation industry.
The Aerospace and Defence Tradeshow 2021 (ADTS 2021) is about exploring new paths, sharing solutions and showcasing innovation beyond Covid-19. Accessible to trade visitors only, the event will be industry focused and aptly emphasise industry capabilities and technologies that emanated from the challenges posed by the Covid pandemic. ADTS 2021 will include business to business meetings, onsite capability demonstrations for aircraft and UAVs and a conference. Parallel to the Lanseria event program, traders can also expect a fully-fledged display of Land forces innovation and capability demonstrations at the Gerotek Testing Facility. Located in the West area of Pretoria, Gerotek offers a variety of testing and capability demonstration set to marvel participants.

ADTS 2021 is set to bring together approximately 150 exhibitors consisting of 80% local industry and 20% international industry including the Defence and General Aviation industry, Airports, UAV/Drone operators, Security System Operators (Cybersecurity, Crowd Control, etc), Medical Supply Companies , Support and Logistic services to name but a few. This experience gives the South African and International defence and general aviation industries an opportunity to showcase their products and services, while also engaging in dialogue and discourse on what is pertinent to their industries.

“The hosting of AAD events, for the past 21 years, has made a significant contribution to the growing South African economy and that of its neighbouring countries through leveraging intellectual property into tangible products and export contracts. We will continue to create an enabling environment for dialogue in our sector. As one of our key mandates pronounces, it will remain our goal to bring together subject matter experts in thought leadership dialogues such as ADTS2021.” Said Sandile Ndlovu – Executive Chairman of AAD Expo.
The AAD Expo traditionally brings together a plethora of local and key international guests to explore and discuss opportunities on the African Continent. Through ADTS2021, AAD will entrench its position as an economic catalyst for the Defence and Aerospace industry.
About AAD
The Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo that combines both a trade exhibition and an air show. Held biennially in the City of Tshwane – South Africa’s administrative capital, the AAD Expo is one of South Africa’s largest contributors to the country’s GDP in show years, and is regarded as a national asset.

About Lanseria International Airport
Privatized in 1991 the airport is a secondary base for local carriers and services the general and commercial aviation business. Approximately 2.3 million passengers travel through the airport annually. Lanseria International has established itself as a niche-market boutique airport operating scheduled daily domestic routes between Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban.



The airport is also the chosen international port of entry for overseas corporate and government aircraft visiting South Africa. The airport is conveniently located close to the northern suburbs of Johannesburg and Sandton business district with only 25 minutes of travel in either direction it also provides access to tourism hubs such as The Cradle of humankind, Sun City and the Hartbeespoort.

SAAF 75 best Airshow in Southern Africa to date?
Pictures by Stefaan Bouwer
The flightline at Airforce Base Waterkloof in Pretoria during the early week of October 1995 saw a number of visiting military air arms from across the world, attended what was South Africa’s biggest military Airshow to date!

This was also the the 75th Birthday celebrations of the South African Air Force. A number of aircraft were painted up in special paint schemes for the celebration, including the SAAF Museums Mirage IIICZ “Black Widow”.

From the biggest Antonov A124 which brought a number of Russian Fighter jets in the back of the hold, including a Mig 29 and SU35. Both flying and on static display!


The Americans brought out all their bells and whistles including an F16, F15, KC135R Stratotanker, C130s, Lockheed C-141 Starlifter and many more!

Australia brought out a P-3 Orion and the Canadian Airforce attended with a Boeing 707.The Royal Airforce were here with the famous Red Arrows, C130, and a E-3 Sentry.

The South African Air Force put on a excellent variety of both new and old, including the Mirage F1AZ flown by Chris “Piranha” Pretorius, which he got struck by lightning during one of his solo displays during the show. It was one of the last shows the Impala MK1s being the Silver Falcons before being replaced by the then new Pilatus PC7 MkII “Astra”.


One has to ask will we ever see a show as big as this one day again?


ADDRESS BY DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL AAD2020 LAUNCH

Programme Director;
Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Solly Shoke;
Chief Defence Materiel, Dr Mthobisi Zondi;
HE High Commissioner Nomathemba Tambo and the SA Embassy office;
Armscor Deputy Chairperson, and members of the Board;
AMD Chairperson and members of the Board;
Representatives of the dti;
South African exhibitors;
AAD international agents and partners;
Captains of Defence Industry;
Members of the media;
Ladies and gentlemen
Under the theme “Unlocking Africa’s Aerospace and Defence Potential”, I welcome Ministries of Defence of various countries present here today, our International Partners and agents, captains of the global defence industry, members of the media and other distinguished guests.
AAD is the largest aerospace and defence exhibition in Africa and the ONLY one of its kind, boasting a successful combined exhibition of air, sea and land technologies, a static aircraft display and an air show. Significantly, AAD is the largest assembly of African leaders and decision makers, undoubtedly a gateway to doing business in Africa and a key catalyst and partner to unlocking business potential and partnerships.
In his opening speech at AAD 2018, Hon President Cyril Ramphosa highlighted the significant opportunity that the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibition offers in identifying and converting areas of synergies into joint ventures. These business ventures invariably translate into technology growth, employment, skills development and economic stimulus.
By hosting this event, South Africa showcases its interest in growing
the economy and that of its neighbouring countries through leveraging intellectual property into tangible products and export contracts.
Planning for AAD2020 is well underway, with 40 % of the space booked and the organisers are working tirelessly to ensure that the 11 th edition of AAD is a resounding success for all the exhibitors, key partners and trade visitors. Testimony to this is that just in the last 2 days, the organisers have successfully signed up both Belgium and the USA as national pavilions and we await all other defence producing nations to do the same in the
next few weeks.
AAD is expected to attract over 400 exhibitors from at least 35 countries, over 10 00 000 visitors a day to AAD – many of them decision-makers in the global Defence, security and aviation sectors. The 2020 edition will also offer participants strategic platforms to engage in dialogue and discourse on international aerospace and Defence and other related best practices.
In closing, you may have noted that in his address at the Swartkop Air Show on the 7th of September, the Chief of the SA Air Force – Lt Gen ZF Msimang – noted that AAD 2020 takes place not only in SA’s Heritage Month of September but also in a year that marks the centennial commemoration of the SAAF as the second oldest Air Force in the world.It is no secret that for a very long time, the history of the SAAF has been one dimensional
and has often been told from the perspective of our erstwhile predecessors who sadly were also our colonisers and oppressors. Such an approach to our history has managed to diminish and undermine the cold weight of oppression and humiliation that was felt by the majority. In the interest of advancing the SA nation building project, we therefore are duty bound to reconfigure the SAAF and SANDF heritage landscape to ensure that it
reflects the diversity and the incredible efforts all South Africans and especially those who fought for the liberation of SA from the clutches of apartheid. It is in this context that the SAAF has chosen the theme of “100 years of Air Power, through 25 years of Democracy”. Commencing on the 1st of February 2020, SAAF 100 will culminate in the spectacular displays of air superiority in the 2 public days of AAD 2020 and we invite all Air Forces to bring their assets in celebration of this momentous achievement.
Therefore, ladies and gentlemen, I now declare AAD2020 officially Launched, and I invite you save the dates September 16th to 20th of September 2020 at the AFB Waterkloof in Tshwane. South Africa is open for business and partnerships to mutually benefit us all.
Thank you

AAD 2018 Aircraft List
AAD 2018 Aircraft List

For all those airshow Fan’s out there, we are compiling an unofficial list of aircraft to attend AAD2018. Please not that this list is unofficial at this stage and can change at any time. We will soon be indicating if they will be flying or static.
Note:
#AAD2018 preliminary Aircraft list. We will update the list as we get closer to AAD.
Please note this is not the final list. The list currently excludes normal SA airshow aircraft that will be added later. More international aircraft also to be added once confirmed.
To view list on the official AAD2018 site click here
Aircraft | Company / Air force/Country | Flying | Static | Number of Aircraft |
---|---|---|---|---|
Harbin Y-12 | Zambia Airforce | 1 | ||
Hongdu L-15 | Zambia Airforce | 2 | ||
MA-60 | Zambia Airforce | 1 | ||
Paraglider | Various | TBC | ||
Seeker SB7L-360A | USA | 1 | ||
Boeing C17 Globemaster | US Airforce | 1 | ||
US Airforce | Canceled | |||
Boeing P8-Poseidon | US Airforce | 1 | ||
C130J-30 | US Airforce | 1 | ||
LC-130 Snowbird | US Airforce | 1 | ||
RQ-7 Reaper | US Airforce | 1 | ||
Extreme Air XA41 | Team Extreme/Century Avionics | 1 | ||
MX2 | Team Extreme/Century Avionics | 1 | ||
Cows Pitts Specials S2s | Taillifts Cows RSA | 4 | ||
H125 'Squirrel' | SV Aviation | 1 | ||
SAFAT AK-3SAFAT02 | Sudan | 1 | ||
SAFAT03 | Sudan | 1 | ||
Bell 212 | Starlite Aviation | 1 | ||
MD500E | Starlite Aviation | 1 | ||
Douglas DC4 | Skyclass | 1 | ||
Enstrom 280FX | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
Enstrom 480B | SAFAMOR | 2 | ||
MD500 | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
PA28-180 | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
PA31-310 | SAFAMOR | 1 | ||
Alouette II | SAAF Museum | 2 | ||
Alouette III | SAAF Museum | 2 | ||
Atlas C4.M Kudu | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
Bosbok | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
Cessna C185 | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
SA330 Puma | SAAF Museum | 1 | ||
PC7MKII | SAAF CFS | 5 | ||
Silver Falcons | SAAF CFS | 5 | ||
Hawk MK120 | SAAF 85 Combat Flying School | 5 | ||
CASA 212 | SAAF 44 Squadron | 2 | ||
Beechcraft King Air 250 | SAAF 41 Squadron | 1 | ||
Cessna C208A Caravan | SAAF 41 Squadron | 2 | ||
C47TP | SAAF 35 Squadron | TBC | ||
C130BZ | SAAF 28 Squadron | 3 | ||
Lynx | SAAF 22 Squadron | TBC | ||
Gripen JAS39C/D | SAAF 2 Squadron | 9 | ||
Rooivalk | SAAF 16 Squadron | 3 | ||
BK117 | SAAF 15 Squadron 'c' Flt | 2 | ||
Agusta A109LUH | SAAF | 3 | ||
Oryx | SAAF | 3 | ||
Agusta A119 | SA Red Cross | 1 | ||
Antonov ? | Russia | 1 | ||
Russian Helicopter | Russia | 1 | ||
Motor Glider | RSA | 2 | ||
Robinson R44 | RSA | 1 | ||
Robinson R66 | RSA | 1 | ||
Sling 2 | RSA | 1 | ||
Aerospatiale Gazelle | Private | TBC | ||
Bathawk | Private | 7 | ||
Boeing Stearman | Private | 1 | ||
Glider JS1 | Private | 2 | ||
Hot Air Balloons | Private | 3 | ||
Impala MK1 | Private | 1 | ||
Jet Glider | Private | TBC | ||
L39 | Private | 1 | ||
Raven 500 | Private | 1 | ||
Slick 540 | Private | 1 | ||
Wagtail Gyro | Private | 1 | ||
Ahrlac | Paramount Group RSA | 2 | ||
Fennec | Paramount Group RSA | TBC | ||
T6 Harvards | Museum,Puma,Harvard Club RSA | 12 | ||
Antonov 2 | Just Love Mission | 1 | ||
Mahindra Aerospace GA Airvan | India | TBC | ||
Gulfstream G600 | Gulfstream USA | 1 | ||
Dassualt Falcon 8X | France | 1 | ||
Bell 230 | Execujet | 1 | ||
Gulfstream III | Execujet | 1 | ||
King Air 200 GT | Execujet | 1 | ||
Diamond 62MPP | Diamond Aircraft Austria | 1 | ||
Diamond DA40NG | Diamond Aircraft Austria | 1 | ||
Denel Cheetah D | Denel RSA | 1 | ||
Embraer | Brazil | TBC | ||
Bombardier Global 6000 | Bombardier Canada | 1 | ||
CASA 212 | Airforce of Zimbabwe | 1 | ||
K8 | Airforce of Zimbabwe | 2 | ||
Airbus A320neo | Airbus | 1 | ||
Airbus H125 | Airbus | 2 | ||
Airbus H135 | Airbus | 1 | ||
Airbus H215M | Airbus | 1 |
World class technology at AAD2018
World class technology returns next month when Africa’s Aerospace and Defence (ADD2018) takes place at the Air Force Base Waterkloof from September 19-23.
Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa chief executive Leon Dillman said the event was a must for everyone.
Dillman said this year’s exhibition had already created enough excitement to attract countries like Saudi Arabia, Slovakia and South Korea to participate in the multi-national exhibition for the first time.
“Guests will have an opportunity to see one of the best air shows on this continent.
“We have not just local but international participations and various civil acts. We are also planning to have a huge grand finale for the closing event, that’s going to be a first for us – but I cannot talk about it at this stage,” he said.
City spokesperson Lindela Mashigo said Tshwane was proud to be hosting this year’s exhibition yet again and he was confident it would not be the last.
“The City has invested close to R2million in this and we are hopeful to have spin-off in terms of the economy and in terms of destination marketing for our tourism industry.
“We are not going to only have local people but international delegates and business people because this is a mega event that cuts across South African borders and reaches the entire continent,” he said.
Mashigo was particularly impressed that the organisers had assured him they were reaching out to disadvantaged communities to experience defence exhibitions throughout the year, and they would do the same for ADD2018.
Dillman said the first three days of the event would be be trade days for business-to-business deals, sales, networking and marketing.
Members of the public were invited to take along their children on the public days on September 22 and 23.
ADD2018 is expected to host 90 official delegations from 47 countries, 100 military and civilian aircraft and 450 accredited local and international media.
This included numerous exhibitions from 37 countries, 35000 trade visitors and at least 80000 general public visitors.
Numerous companies have confirmed specific aircraft they will be exhibiting, and the number is still growing.
We have inside information that those who wait the 17:00 On the Sunday will experience something very spectacular.
Organizers encouraged members of the public to download the AAD Expo 2018 application which is already available on Android and Apple. The app will allow users to live stream the air show and access daily content.
The Media was taken for a flight in a SAAF CASA 212 from 44 Squadron over Hartesbeesport Dam.
Read more on AAD here
Photos by Johan Stephens
Click to enlarge photos