AERO South Africa updates and crew change

It will host international exhibitors such as Pooley’s Flight Equipment, UK; Eisenschmidt, Germany; BOSE, the Netherlands; and Garmin, France; US firms such as the Concorde Battery Group, Airpart Supply Limited, and Southern Cross; as well as South African exhibitors such as Unisa, Aeronautical, Sling Aircraft, Pilot Insure, Wings n Things, PJ Aviation, Vektor Aviation, DJA Aviation, Ntsu Aviation and VL3 Aviation.

AERO South Africa features demo flights by exhibitors, with aircraft manufacturers showcasing their products in real-time. The Business Matchmaking Programme, introduced in 2022, will also be available to exhibitors as an added benefit. The team will profile the business of exhibitors and qualified buyers and schedule meetings between relevant parties.

Publications such as AirMed&Rescue, African Pilot, Airnews, Aviation4SA and Aero Club have also been announced as media partners, and the event will offer visitors the opportunity to fly in. Free landing, approach and passenger fees are available for those registered.

Emergency and rescue services are also featured. Top speakers will be showcased at the workshop area, discussing relevant topics such as new regulations, safety and other pertinent issues.

This year’s AERO South Africa continues to offer a greater focus on drones. The aviation insurance and finance sector will also be highlighted, with the return of positive market growth post-Covid.

Under new management

AERO South Africa also announced a change in management this year, with long-running Show Director Annelie Reynolds stepping down. She will be succeeded by Louise Olckers.

Olckers, a former South African Air Force veteran and General Manager of the Commercial Aviation Association of South Africa (CAASA), brings almost 20 years of experience in event planning and aviation to AERO South Africa. She has been instrumental in enabling networking and knowledge exchange within the aviation industry.

“We are excited that we could bring Louise on board. With her extensive experience and passion for the aviation industry, she is well-positioned to lead Aero South Africa to new heights,” commented Michael Dehn, Managing Director of Messe Frankfurt South Africa, organisers of the event.