The countdown is on with less than 100 days remaining until the 12th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and airshow. It stands as Africa’s premier showcase of aerospace potential, drawing a minimum of 40,000 visitors daily.
To mark this significant milestone, AAD has joined forces with its strategic partners—the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Association of South Africa (AMD), the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), in collaboration with the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DOD). Together, they launched the 100-day countdown to AAD 2024 at the beginning of June.
The event was held on the morning of June 10 at the Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre, where they detailed the exciting features and activities scheduled for AAD 2024.
Exhibition Director for AAD Nakedi Phasha said during the event that this year’s theme, ‘Exploring New Paths, Sharing Solutions, Showcasing Innovation and Capabilities,’ encapsulates their “commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing global partnerships, and showcasing the impressive capabilities within the aerospace and defense sectors.”
“As the only event of its kind on the continent and one of the top six in the world, AAD is truly in a class of its own,” Phasha said.
Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cilliers Brink, meanwhile, emphasized the city’s readiness and highlighted the benefits AAD will bring not only to Tshwane but to the entire country.
In a keynote address, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Thandi Modise emphasized that AAD is not merely a gathering of industry professionals and enthusiasts but a vital economic engine that drives growth, innovation, and development in South Africa. She expressed her appreciation to the sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors for making AAD the success it is today.
The 12th edition of AAD is scheduled to be held from Sept. 18 to 22, 2024, at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion, Gauteng, South Africa. AAD stands as the sole and largest aerospace and defense exhibition and air show on the African continent. It holds a flagship status in South Africa's and indeed the continent's defense industry calendar.
The trade show has consistently expanded with each edition, gathering world-renowned industry leaders to exhibit the latest technological innovations in aviation, aerospace, and defense. It also serves as a pivotal platform for engaging in international dialogue and discourse on defense, aerospace, and related best practices.
