ILA Berlin: Focus on innovation, new technology and sustainability

31.01.2024 Berlin

- From Airbus to Zapp Precision Metals – exhibitors from all over the world at ILA
- Defence Park presents innovations in military aviation
- Talent Hub brings companies and skills together

Whether the topic is sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), hydrogen, electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) for urban transport, or the use of AI in military aviation – from 5 to 9 June 2024 at ILA Berlin the focus is on the latest developments in international aerospace. Taking place at BER Airport, the industry’s leading trade show for sustainability, new technologies and innovation is a meeting place for the international industry, policymakers, armed forces and science. ILA mirrors the industry’s entire value chain, with special emphasis on the segments Aviation, Space, Defence & Support, Suppliers and Advanced Air Mobility. After the trade visitor days from 5 to 7 June the show is open to the general public on the weekend of 8 and 9 June.

Exhibitors from all over the world present hi-tech solutions

From Airbus to Zapp Precision Metals – numerous companies have already confirmed their attendance. ILA 2024 has become even bigger and more wide-ranging. In addition to Airbus and Boeing, exhibitors include Aerodyne Aircraft Development, Aviation Initiative for Renewable Energy in Germany – aireg, the Fraunhofer Institute, GE Aviation, Kawasaki, Lufthansa Technik, MTU Aero Engines, Rolls Royce and SAFRAN. ArianeGroup and Jena-Optronik are represented in the Space segment, together with numerous startups and SMEs at the new SPACE HUB. Several federal ministries are also at ILA, including those representing Digital and Transport, Economics, Climate Action and Defence.
The fact that the European Commission is for the first time represented with three Directorates General underscores ILA 2024’s intention to lay down a marker for European unity, free market competition and sovereignty, in particular with elections for the European Parliament taking place over the weekend.

Defence Park expands its military aviation displays

The Defence & Support segment, which comprises the Defence Park and Military Support Center MSC, is also well-attended. Companies there include Bombardier Defense, Diehl Defence, Elbit Systems, Hensoldt, Israel Aerospace Industries, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, the Norwegian Defence and Security Industries Association, OHB, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Rheinmetall, Rohde & Schwarz and Saab, as well as the German Bundeswehr as the largest single exhibitor at ILA.

The Defence Park on the outdoor display area and in Hall 3 is a new addition to this year’s show. This is where exhibitors are presenting their innovations, including military aircraft, precision-guided munitions, reconnaissance systems, as well as disaster control solutions and policing measures. Hall 3 is also where the Military Support Center MSC can be found, and where the German Luftwaffe and industry are showing how they work to maintain the operational capability of aircraft and equipment.

The Defence Park is an extension of the Static Display. Exhibits here include numerous aircraft and large items of military equipment, such as a Eurofighter and Tornado, a fifth-generation F-35 multirole combat aircraft, an A400M transport aircraft, IRIS-T, PATRIOT and ARROW3 air defence systems, as well as unmanned aerial vehicles. Visitors can inspect the Eurofighter and NH90 helicopter displayed in all their technical detail. What are these aircraft made of and how are they maintained? Both trade visitors and the general public can discover interesting information on military aviation equipment. In addition to the exhibits on the Static Display there will be air displays too.

Sustainability in aerospace

On the civil aviation displays the focus is mainly on new technologies and sustainability. The Aviation segment deals with all aspects of carbon-neutral flight, ranging from electric propulsion systems and sustainable aviation fuels to additive manufacturing and noise reduction technologies. The ILA Future Lab of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action will cast their eye into the future. State-funded research and technology projects are being presented, showing how the aerospace industry can contribute to meeting climate targets. There is also a special focus on sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

In the Advanced Air Mobility segment the spotlight is entirely on transport in the third dimension – ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles to vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs).

At ILA, Europe’s largest aerospace show, there is a special emphasis on the Space segment. The Space Pavilion is where the global space flight community comes together. Ministries, agencies, representatives of science and space agencies are presenting their innovations, showing how space flight can improve life on Earth. Exhibits include the climate observation satellites EarthCare and Sentinel-2C as well as the new Ariane 6 rocket booster, all of which are scheduled for launch this year.

The International Supplier Center ISC is the platform for the supply chain, which is the backbone of the industry. This is where OEM buyers and tier-1 vendors can hold meetings and build leads.

A total of four STAGES are hosting a comprehensive programme featuring fascinating information on key ILA topics. In addition to discussions with experts from industry, science, the armed forces and policymakers, various formats dwell on the latest aerospace topics.

ILA Talent Hub brings companies and skills together

The Talent Hub is a new feature of this year’s show. Whether for students, career starters or experienced skilled workers in search of jobs – the Talent Hub brings companies and prospective employees together. On 7 June, ILA Talent Day, the programme features keynote speeches on the latest industry topics, company slams and talent tours. On the weekend, when ILA is open to the general public, the ILA Talent Hub also awaits trade show visitors. Workshops and an interactive programme of stage events invite children from the age of eight to discover the fascinating world of aerospace.