AAD Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition exerts positive impact on economy of South Africa 160214.

The 8th AAD will take place at AFB Waterkloof, Centurion in the City of Tshwane, South Africa between 17 and 21 September 2014 and will once again bring together various industries from throughout the world so as to showcase the latest technological innovations within this sector.

A total of around 130,000 visitors attended AAD 2012, which represented a multiple of the average number of visitors that attend exhibitions in South Africa. No other event allows for a greater degree of comprehensive information sharing on aviation matters than the bi-annual AAD Exhibition and it has become a showcase for the country’s diversified and sophisticated aviation industry.

AAD exhibitions are managed under the auspices of a long-standing partnership between the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD), the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Ltd (ARMSCOR), the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA Trust) and the Department of Defence (DOD).

Aviation makes a significant contribution to the South African economy, particularly via a multi-dimensional supply chain. The value of the aviation industry supply chain is estimated to be more than R116 billion.

The extended and complex supply chain of aviation, combined with its indispensable role in rapid transport, defence operations and providing access to remote areas, justifies the view that the aeronautical industry should be afforded strategic sector status.