Germany Gears up for AERO Friedrichshafen 2009

FRIEDRICHSHAFEN, GERMANY – From April 2-5, 2009, approximately 500 firms will present the entire spectrum of general aviation products and services at AERO 2009 in Friedrichshafen. AERO is reporting an increase of used exhibition space in excess of 10 percent. The event will occupy eleven trade show halls, compared to the previous seven. Over half of the exhibition space (52 percent) will be used by aviation companies from outside Germany to present their products and services. The contingent of American companies will again form the largest non-German group of exhibitors at AERO 2009. Approximately 500 firms from 23 countries will exhibit in Friedrichshafen.

"AERO is strategically important for the world’s general aviation industry," says trade show director Klaus Wellmann. "We are particularly pleased to once more be able to report stable results, even in these economically challenging times."

On displey in Friedrichshafen will be exhibits on things from parachuting and hang gliding to ultralight aircraft, gliders, power gliders, single- and twin-engine aircraft, and business jets. The entire field of rotorcraft will be under one roof in the Helicopter Hangar, while E-Flight-Expo will showcase the latest alternative innovations in aviation propulsion.

IMAS, the trade show for second-hand aircraft, will be held as part of AERO from April 2-5, 2009, on the exhibition grounds in Friedrichshafen. As a result of this integration, second-hand aircraft dealers will benefit. Pilots will enjoy free bus transfer service from the airport to the exhibition grounds.

"We’re pleased about the continuing strong participation of US companies. In fact, after Germany, they put together the largest national contingent at AERO," says Project Director Thomas Grunewald. Companies from the Czech Republic form the second largest group of non-German exhibitors.

Among the conference's guest speakers will be Dr. Norbert Lohl, Certification Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); Craig L. Fuller, the newly selected president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) of the United States; and Alan Klapmeier of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA).

Weekend visitors of AERO 2009 will be treated to an air show. New aircraft, double-deckers, stunt pilots, formation demonstrations and legendary flying machines will all take to the skies as part of AERO. The Air Show will be held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on both Saturday, April 4, and Sunday, April 5. The entire flight schedule is now available online.

AERO is building a strategic partnership with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) in the United States. In addition, the AOPA Germany and the Deutsche Aero Club serve as ideal supporting organizations of AERO 2009. Also represented are the German helicopter association (DHV), the association of German commercial aircraft schools (VDV), and Germany’s federal association of commercial aircraft companies (BBAL).

For more information visit www.aero-expo.de.