ILA2008 reaches new heights

High-tech presentations by 1,127 exhibitors from 37 countries -
All 250,000 square metres of display space occupied -
More than 300 aircraft on show on the ground and in the air -
Over 100 accompanying conferences and workshops -
Partner country India presents largest-ever display abroad -
New: Path of Innovation on the subject of “Low-Emission Flight” -
Suppliers’ Center, Space Hall and HeliCenter larger than ever -
Federal Chancellor Merkel to open the ILA2008

Record attendances are forecast for the ILA2008, the most important event this year in Europe for all areas of the aviation and space sector. From 27 May to 1 June a total of 1,127 exhibitors from 37 countries (2006: 1,014/42) will be presenting the entire range of current and future aerospace technology products and services. Approximately 40 per cent of exhibitors are from abroad. The upturn in the aerospace sector is also evident at the ILA2008. All 250,000 square metres of the exhibition grounds on the southern section of Berlin-Schönefeld Airport will be occupied. Thirteen exhibition halls with a total area of 55,000 square metres (2006: 10 Hallen/50,000 m²) and five outdoor areas (95,000 m²) will be available for the presentations. Around 100,000 square metres have been designated for the general public or as access routes for pedestrians and vehicles. As these figures show, the ILA2008 has grown by some ten per cent in terms of the numbers of exhibitors and the hall area since the last event. The partner country at the ILA2008 is India, which has announced its largest-ever presentation at any foreign aerospace show. The largest national displays of all will be those of Russia and the USA.

All 55 of the chalets directly in front of the airfield, where exhibitors can entertain clients, are also occupied. Over 300 aircraft of all sizes and categories – more than at any of the world’s other aerospace trade shows – will be on show on the ground and in the air during the three trade visitors’ days (27 – 29 May) and during the public weekend (30 May – 1 June). Compared with the ILA2006 expansion has also taken place in individual sections of the ILA such as the International Suppliers’ Center (ISC), the Space Hall and the HeliCenter. The ILA will again demonstrate why it is the leading trade fair and convention for the aerospace sector. With over 100 accompanying conferences and workshops and an extensive programme of visits by delegations from all over the world this trade fair is acknowledges as a venue for top-level meetings for the representatives of politics, business, defence and research.

The ILA2008 will be officially opened on 27 May at 12.30 p.m. during a 90-minute tour by Germany’s Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel. Among those accompanying her will be Defence Minister Arakkaparambil Kurian Antony, representing this year’s partner country, India.

The organisers of the largest ILA ever, the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), Berlin, and Messe Berlin GmbH, have given the following assessments of this event:

BDLI President Dr. Thomas Enders: “The ILA is the most important meeting of the year on the European continent for the industry – which, in Germany, has become one of the few sustainably expanding industries and has bucked the current trend by actually creating more jobs. Once again the aerospace industry here at the ILA is demonstrating its innovative and productive capabilities with a combination of outstanding technological achievements, economic success and the fascination of flight.” Following on from its successes in 2007 the German aerospace industry is going from strength to strength. Sales have risen by 3.8 per cent to 20.2 billion euros, around 700 million euros more than in 2006, and in so doing achieving an all-time high for the second successive year. In 2007 the number of employees increased by 3.2 per cent to 88,200. In contrast to the current trend the industry in Germany has created an additional 6,400 jobs.

Raimund Hosch, Chief Executive Officer of Messe Berlin GmbH, provided evidence of the successful expansion of this trade show: “Today the ILA is acknowledged as one of the world’s great aerospace trade shows. The record number of participants this year emphasises the strong economic position of the Berlin Air Show, helping to boost not only Berlin/

Brandenburg as a major location for aviation but also the entire region’s reputation as a centre for business and scientific skills.”

More 300 aircraft on the ground and in the air

Over 300 aircraft are being shown by exhibitors and in the programme of displays. The commercial and transport aircraft will include some of the giants of the air. Visitors will be particularly interested in the Airbus A380, the largest, most advanced and most environmentally friendly of the world’s commercial aircraft, with a typical capacity of more than 550 passengers. Airbus is also exhibiting its A330, one of the largest and most economical of the world’s long haul, twin-engined airliners. Examples of the two largest transport aircraft ever put into mass production, the Antonov An-124 (29 May) and the C-5 Galaxy from Lockheed Martin, are also expected to make an appearance. The C-17 Globemaster III from Boeing is the same US Air Force transport aircraft which former US President Bill Clinton officially named the “Spirit of Berlin” prior to the ILA 1998 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Among the more unusual transport aircraft is the German Bundeswehr’s A310 MedEvac, known as the “flying hospital”.

Hindustan Aeronautics from India, the partner country, will be exhibiting a number of aircraft for the first time in Germany, including the “Dhruv” light military and civilian helicopter, which can be seen on the ground and in the air. One of the main highlights will be an appearance by the “Sarang” helicopter team, flying four Dhruvs.

High tech in the military field: the Eurofighter is Europe’s most up-to-date combat aircraft and can be seen in the air in its Bundeswehr configuration. The US Air Force will be bringing the West’s most widely used combat jet, the F-16, as well as the Boeing B-1B Lancer, a swing-wing, strategic bomber capable of flying at more than Mach 1. The Hungarian armed forces are participating for the first time with their Swedish-built Gripen fighters. Germany’s Bundeswehr is presenting its P-3C Orion marine reconnaissance aircraft, made by Lockheed Martin, which is now being deployed by the German navy. The instantly recognisable Boeing E-3A Sentry (AWACS) is used by Nato for airborne surveillance and reconnaissance. There will also be flying displays on the weekend by an F-16 from the Netherlands and a MiG 29 from Poland.

The helicopters that can be seen in the skies over Schönefeld will include the NH90, the Bundeswehr’s new multi-role transport, and the Tiger UHT from Eurocopter, Europe’s very latest combat helicopter (already known for its appearance in the James Bond film “Golden Eye”). The Hungarian armed forces will be presenting one of the world’s largest combat helicopters, the Mi-24, which can also be seen in the air. From the UK there will be the Royal Air Force display team with their Boeing CH-47 Chinooks. On show for the first time at the ILA will a combat SAR version of the EC 725 belonging to the French air force. This updated five-bladed version of the tried and tested Cougar is more powerful and is being offered especially for CSAR missions as an alternative to the NH 90. The NEO is a world first in the small helicopter sector and can also be seen at the HeliCenter. The NEO dispenses with a tail rotor and is controlled using the NOTAR principle (No Tail Rotor).

Many aircraft will be making their debut in the general aviation sector at the ILA2008, including the long haul Global 5000 business jet from Bombardier. The Pilatus PC-12 and EADS Socata TBM 850 represent the new generation of highly fuel-efficient turboprops, which have been designed to carry business passengers. Embraer from Brazil is presenting its own new business jet, the ECJ135 Legacy. Grob Aerospace is bringing its modern business jet, the G180 SPn Utility Jet, to Berlin, and this is the first aircraft in its class to be manufactured entirely from plastics. The DA42 Twinstar from Diamond is among the most economical and modern of today’s twin-engined touring aircraft. Diamond is also exhibiting its single-engined DA50 Super Star, a newly developed touring aircraft with improved aerodynamics. The single-engined Extra 500 is a high performance single-seater for businessmen who want to fly their own aircraft. The Cessna partner Air Alliance is preparing a spectacular debut for two new Cessna models, the C350 and C400, at the ILA. The very latest in single-engined touring aircraft, their performance and design put them at the top of their particular category.

Yet another outstanding exhibit is the Cirrus SR22, one of the latest single-engined, propeller-driven aircraft which can carry four people. The fuselage and wings are made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastic. In an emergency the entire aircraft can be brought safely back to earth on a parachute. With its S-Ray 007 Dornier Technologie is celebrating the European debut of its new single-engined amphibian, which is intended as the forerunner of a new generation of seaplanes built using the latest plastics technology. Also making their first appearance at the ILA are the twin-engined “Shark” private aircraft and the Liberty XL2 twin-seater sports aircraft. Thielert Aircraft is present diesel conversions of the Cessna C172, C206 and Piper PA28, which are not only more environmentally friendly but also easier for pilots to operate. Among the aircraft from Piper that are making their European debut are the Piper PA-46R-350T Malibu Matrix, the PA-46-500TP Meridian, an especially economical single-engined turboprop, and the six-seater, twin-engined Piper PA-34-220T Seneca V.

The Airbus A320 ATRA (Advanced Technology Research Aircraft) is another remarkable aircraft that can be seen at the ILA2008. It is expected to make a significant contribution to the research that is urgently needed in order to reduce the environmental impact of aviation and to improve its efficiency. The ATRA will undertake its first DLR missions in the autumn of 2008, when its tasks will include investigations into reducing noise levels, for example during take-off and landing, and research into aircraft wake vortex problems.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have an increasingly important role to play. Leading companies such as EADS, Diehl, General Atomics, Northrop Grumman and Rheinmetall will be using the ILA to present their latest products.

There will be plenty to interest the many enthusiasts of historical aircraft at the ILA2008 too. Among the more than 50 aircraft in this category one of the most outstanding is the Me 262, the world’s first series production jet fighter, which has influenced aircraft design more than almost any other model, for example by having the engines mounted under the wings. Three of the classic propeller-driven fighters from the Second World War are the Me 109, “Spitfire” and North American P-51 Mustang. In the 1950s among the first aircraft to serve with Germany’s newly created Bundeswehr was the North American Sabre F-86 fighter, and representing the most important flying boats from the 1940s will be the PBY-5A Catalina and Dornier Do 24ATT. The Douglas C-47 Dakota/DC-3 was the most commonly used “Candy Bomber” to be used during the Berlin Airlift.

In particular during the weekend, when the public are admitted, visitors will be able to enjoy several hours of flying displays. These will feature the Patrouille Suisse team with six F-5 Tiger jets, “The Flying Bulls” from Austria with their Douglas DC-6B, a local hero and winner of several world aerobatic championships, Klaus Schrodt, with an Extra 300 S, the aerobatics pilot Ali Öztürk from Turkey with an Acromach S2, the Croatian “Kril Oulje” aerobatic team in their five PC-9s, and performances by representatives of the air forces of the Netherlands, Russia, Slovakia and the USA. The breathtaking airborne acrobatics of the wingwalker Lady Peggy Krainz can be seen, as well as such sporting activities as parachuting and demonstrations of ultralights, gliders and classic powered aerobatics.

Path of Innovation: where the ideas come from

As a new feature the ILA2008 is offering its visitors a PATH OF INNOVATION on the subject of: “Low-Emission Flight”. A total of 24 exhibitors will be presenting new approaches and solutions to the problems of climate protection and noise reduction, from “Bauhaus Luftfahrt e.V.” whose “Claire” Liner has a specially designed wing configuration to maximise its aerodynamic properties, to the “Solar Impulse” project, which plans to create a solar-powered, manned aircraft by 2011 which will be capable of circling the globe without creating any pollution, and Grob Aerospace with its spn business jet made entirely from carbon fibre composites, which can also be inspected at the ILA.

Thousands of trade visitors at the conferences

In addition to the trade show the ILA2008 will be accompanied by a programme of over 100 conferences, providing additional information opportunities for the world’s experts. There will be ten categories of conferences: “Commercial Aviation”, “Politics and Business”, “Research and Development”, “Defence and Security”, “Space Flight”, “Equipment, Engines”, „Maintenance, Technical Services”, “General Aviation”, “Education and Careers” and “Helicopters”. Among events that will be taking place for the first time at the ILA are: the 1st Public-Private Security Conference on Global Air Transport Security (27 May), the international conference “Greener Skies Ahead”, which is concerned with technological challenges and the industry’s actual technological concepts for making aviation more environmentally friendly (28 May), and the 1st European Conference of Air Transport on 28 and 29 May.

ISC presents opportunities for suppliers

Featuring numerous exhibitors from the supply sector, applications to attend from many buyers from the aerospace industry, and a forum programme with some outstanding participants, the International Suppliers’ Center (ISC) will be the focus of attention for the entire supply industry. Around 140 exhibitors from Canada, Germany, France, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, the United Kingdom and the USA will be represented in Hall 6. The ISC will only be open during the three trade visitors’ days at the ILA (27 - 29 May). Many suppliers from Germany will also be displaying their products and services each day during the ILA in Hall 7. The ISC will help second and third level suppliers in particular to establish and intensify their business links. The specific benefit of this event: systems companies, which form the most important target group for the supply industry, will already be present as exhibitors at the ILA.

Space Technology: where the ideas come from

The ILA2008 will provide some insights into the future in Hall 9 under the slogan “Space for Life” with some impressive exhibits dealing with manned space flight. Following the success of the Columbus mission earlier in the year visitors will be able to inspect a life-size model of the laboratory that has been docked with the International Space Station ISS since February. Along with a model of the European space transporter, the ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle), this will also be the first opportunity for the public to learn about the industrial study known as ATV Evolution, which has been carried out in Germany into the possibilities of Europe launching its own autonomous missions into earth orbit. This year the ILA will include a display occupying 3,000 square metres, the largest area devoted to space at any of the world’s aerospace shows. At the Space Pavilion the space research companies belonging to the BDLI, the European Space Agency ESA, and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) will be joining forces with the Federal Ministry for Economics to present current and future German and European space programmes. There will be graphic presentations of Moon and Mars research projects and of the many applications of space technology, including the European satellite navigation system Galileo. ESA astronauts will be reporting on their missions, while a 1:2 scale study by the German space industry into the possibilities for a moon lander can also be seen.

The Space Day, whose patron is the Federal Minister for Economics Michael Glos, is being introduced for the first time at this year’s ILA and focuses on the priorities and the main aspects of future European and German space flight. Many leading German and international firms will be exhibiting at “SPACE WORLD”. In addition Russia’s Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center will be displaying the latest versions of the new Angara series of launchers, which are intended to replace the current workhorse of the Russian space programme, the Proton rocket. The Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO will be making its first appearance at the ILA with an overview of its wide-ranging work.

Bundeswehr with examples from its entire range of aircraft

The various sections of Germany’s armed forces, consisting of the Army, Air Force and Navy, along with the military divisions of “Central Medical Services” and the “Joint Support Service”, will be showing how modern armies are deployed, using the slogan “ILA2008 - Meet with the Bundeswehr”. The armed forces’ presence at this event is focused mainly on PR work and the efforts being made to recruit new personnel. In addition to a static display the dynamic presentations of the “Airborne Mobility of the Army” and “Air Force Operational Missions” will provide impressive evidence of the work of these branches of the armed forces. Visitors to the show at Berlin-Schönefeld Airport will be able to see an extensive range of exhibits at the “Meet with the Bundeswehr” display. These will include large items of military equipment and examples of all the different types of aircraft in service with the Bundeswehr, such as helicopters, combat, transport and special purpose aircraft, including the Eurofighter, Tiger helicopter, P-3C Orion and MedEvac Airbus.

Special show on the open air grounds: 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift

The ILA2008 will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the start of the Berlin Airlift with a separate exhibition dedicated to the subject on the open air grounds. Four large panels will be used to explain the situation facing the inhabitants of the western part of Berlin at the end of the 1940s, and the efforts and achievements of the Allies during the Airlift, as well as their sacrifices. Contemporary exhibits will include two DC-3s as representatives of what came to be known as “Candy Bombers”, which can be seen on the ground and during a daily memorial flight. Veterans of the Airlift from the USA and the United Kingdom who witnessed these events first hand are expected to attend the ILA. They will include the 87-year old Gail Halvorsen, who gained fame as a pilot with the US Air Force during the Airlift by distributing candy on little parachutes to waiting children shortly before landing.

Impressive display by the helicopter sector

The helicopter industry is strongly represented at the ILA HeliCenter, with some 50 domestic and international exhibitors. There will be more than 70 helicopters on the ground and in the air, enabling visitors to see the entire spectrum of civilian and military helicopters and every kind of application, as well as the manufacturers’ current programmes and the latest technical developments in aircraft, equipment and systems. Air rescue, police services and aerial work will be widely featured. With its HeliHall 1, the chalets occupied by helicopter manufacturers, the Helicopter Conference Center, its own heliport and, just as importantly, a static display of helicopters, this year the HeliCenter will serve as the main European platform for contacts and business for suppliers and operators in this expanding field.

General Aviation Avenue: the industry’s shop window

As the most important trade show for general aviation in Central and Eastern Europe the ILA2008 provides a comprehensive review of what is currently available from the manufacturers of aircraft for business, private and sports use. Located on the western side of the ILA grounds, the General Aviation Avenue will once again serve as the international meeting place for the industry. The exhibitors will include Bombardier, Cessna, Cirrus, Diamond, Embraer, Extra, Grob, Hawker Beechcraft, Piper, Liberty Aircraft, Pilatus, Socata and Stemme.

Career Center: opportunities for the coming generation

The Career Center at the ILA will be providing a special service for newcomers to the aerospace industry on 30 and 31 May. Whether they are currently still at school or university, at the start of their careers or specialists in their own fields: the Career Center in Hall 6a offers them all an opportunity of obtaining in-depth details about career openings, and of making direct contact with future employers such as Airbus and EADS, Air Berlin and Lufthansa, MTU and Rolls-Royce. The more than 50 participating companies and institutions have already reserved all the available space at the Career Center. Representatives of business and politics, as well as trainees and test pilots will be speaking about the complex and varied kinds of employment available in the aviation and space industries.

BBI Info Tower will be open to ILA visitors free of charge

The Info Tower, overlooking the construction site that will eventually become the major new Berlin Brandenburg International Airport (BBI), is located immediately adjacent to the ILA grounds. Opening in time for the ILA2008, the visitors’ pavilion next to the BBI Info Tower will be staging an exhibition with a wealth of details about the new BBI. The viewing tower forms an integral part of the ILA grounds and will be open free of charge each day from 10.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. to anyone attending the Air Show.

Sightseeing flights: a bird’s eye view of Berlin and Brandenburg

The foundation Deutsche Lufthansa Stiftung Berlin will be offering a memorable experience during the ILA2008 which will appeal not only to those with an interest in aviation of the past. A historic Ju 52, known in Germany as the “Tante” (Auntie) Ju, will be taking off from the ILA grounds to provide unique sightseeing flights. And this indestructible old-timer of the air will provide every passenger with a window seat. Flights can be booked now, at a cost of 99 euros, by telephoning +49(0)40 / 5070 1717 or via the website at www.dlbs.de.

Sightseeing flights by helicopter will be available each day from HELI-FLIGHT Cottbus during the ILA2008 between 11 a.m. and 5.30 p.m. at the HeliCenter. The flights, lasting between ten and twelve minutes, in a Robinson 44 will cost 50 euros per person (maximum of three passengers per flight). During the air show tickets can be purchased from the Rotorblatt magazine’s stand in Hall 1. Advance orders: cottbus@heliflight.de.

Berlin and Brandenburg from the air: On 1 June visitors can take off from the ILA grounds in an Airbus A320, which has just acquired its Air Berlin livery, for a special sight-seeing flight. Tickets are available from airberlin.com/ilarundflug and cost 29 euros, inclusive of taxes, other charges and booking fee.

On 31 May Lufthansa is putting on a special one-way flight by Boeing 737-500 from Hamburg (departure time: 9.15 a.m. directly to the ILA (arrival time: 10 a.m.). There are a total of 111 seats available on flight number LH306 and bookings can be made at www.lufthansa.com at a cost of 59 euros inclusive of taxes, other charges and a ticket for the ILA.

An exclusive way to travel: the helicopter shuttle, which is being offered by Air Berlin in cooperation with Air Service Berlin for the first time. It will be operating daily from 8 to 11.30 a.m. and again from 3 to 6.30 p.m. between the airports at Tegel and Schönefeld (79 euros one way inclusive of ILA ticket). Tickets can be reserved for this shuttle service at www.airberlin.com. Air Berlin passengers’ baggage will be checked through all the way and can be collected from the Air Berlin stand in Hall 8 at the ILA, where it can also be handed in for the return journey.

For those arriving by private aircraft an hourly feeder service to Schönhagen Airfield will also operate during the event.

Opening hours – Admission charges – Transport connections

The ILA2008 on the southern section of Berlin-Schönefeld Airport will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the first three days (27 - 29 May) admission will be restricted to trade visitors only, but on the weekend (30 May – 1 June) the general public will be able to enjoy the extensive presentations by exhibitors as well as an outstanding programme of international flying displays.

For the general public day tickets cost 17 euros, reduced rate tickets (for schoolchildren, students, civilian and military conscripts) are available for 11 euros. Children under the age of six and accompanied by parents will be admitted free of charge.

The organisers recommend using public transport to and from the ILA. On the days that the event is open to the public there will be free bus shuttles between the ILA grounds and the S-Bahn (light railway) stations at Altglienicke (S 45, S9) and Grünau (S 46, S8 und S85), the U-Bahn (underground) station at Rudow (U 7), and the Berlin-Schönefeld Airport terminal and station. There will also be an ILA rail shuttle, operating between the exhibition grounds and the station at Lichtenberg. A shuttle service, for which a fare will be charged, will also be provided to bring passengers to the ILA from the airports at Tegel (10 euros) and Tempelhof (5 euros).

For the first time car drivers can reach the newly created north visitors’ car park, with room for some 16,000 cars, via specially constructed exits from the national highways A113 (from the Berlin Ring) and A117 (from Berlin). A free shuttle will be available to bring visitors from the car park directly to the ILA grounds.