AAD 2008 Africa Aerospace and Defence International Exhibition news pictures information Cape Town S.

Staged biennially, the AAD exhibition remains Africa's premier event to showcase leading edge commercial and general aviation related technologies and products together with defense-related landward, maritime and aerospace platforms and systems.
Fully supported by the South African government and set to take place in Cape Town from 17-21 September 2008, this exhibition is a highlight on the African continent and its international flavor attracts exhibitors from all over the world.
Under the auspices of the South African Aerospace Maritime & Defense Industries association (AMD), and in partnership with Armscor, the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA) and the DOD, all being co-owners of AAD, the arrangements for staging another highly successful ADD expo is progressing well.
In order to keep abreast of the many challenges to stage a prestigious event of this nature, the co-owners of AAD have decide to establish a core unit of specialist with the specific objective to arrange AAD 2008 and not to appoint a external show organizer as was the norm previously. To this end the executive director of AMD, Simphiwe Hamilton, was appointed as AAD Show Director and Geoff van Hees was appointed as the AAD Show Organizer. The team is further bolstered by dedicated accounting and administration staff.
To date, major local and international industry player have indicated their interest to participate in AAD 2008 and a number of them have already confirmed their space requirements.

Visitor profile:
- The international status of this unique South African based event as reflected by the AAD 2006 attendance figures speaks for itself as AAD hosted 52 high level delegations from 37 countries.
- 7548 sq m External exhibition space.
- 9000 sq m Internal exhibition space.
- 27 Exhibiting countries
- National pavilions from Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, France, Malaysia, UK, India, Canada, Brazil, China, Sweden, Russia, Netherlands, Ukraine, Spain, USA, Switzerland an d South Africa.
- 28 Hospitality chalets
- 45 Static display of commercial aircraft
- 400 Exhibitors
- 13 Ministers of Defence
- 11 Secretaries of Defence
A large number of senior visiting groups representing various arms of service were hosted by their South African counterparts. Many African countries were also represented by their senior decision makers who have ala indicated that they wish to attend AAD 2008. A highlight is the quality of trade visitors all of whom realize that AAD open doors and create opportunities for meeting potential business partners as it is the ideal entry into the African marketplace.