Ms. Qingqing Wang did attend ILA Berlin Air Show on behalf of the Aerospace MBA program, in June 1-4, 2016. Here is her feedback:
“The 2016 ILA Berlin Air Show is held every two years at the Berlin Expo Center Airport. In 2014, the last year for which figures are complete, the ILA Berlin Air Show attracted an estimated 227,000 public visitors to view 1204 exhibits from 40 countries. The show covers an area of 50,000 square meters of indoor hall space plus an additional 100,000 square meters of outdoor exhibits. 139 high ranking delegations attended the 2014 show. Among a survey of trade visitors, 86% rated their business results as excellent. 3800 media representatives from 55 countries covered the show in 2014. The 2016 Show was organized into 5 areas:
- Conference Center
- International& national Industry
- International& national Industry/ Helicopter
- International& national Industry/ Space Pavilion, Space
- International Suppliers center
Conference Agenda for the Day
Big Outdoor AIRBUS Display – unfortunately in was raining
In addition, there are conferences throughout each day dealing with topics related to the economics, technology, and the political aspects of the aerospace industry. There is also a large section devoted to the International Supplier Center for business activities such as support and maintenance where there is no physical product to be displayed. To provide an idea as to the relative magnitude of each area the number of exhibitors broke down as follows:
- 319 Equipment, Engines and Materials
- 123 Commercial Air Transport
- 104 Space
- 101 General Aerospace Services
- 91 Defense and Security
- 84 Research and Education
- 72 Government Organizations
- 65 Other Exhibitors/Exhibits
It is said that a picture is worth a thousand words. To give the reader a better feeling for the scope of the Berlin Air Show, I made many pictures of my experience, please find here a selection of them.
The predominate display at the Equipment, Engines, and Materials Area
Another impressive Engine display
My Virtual Reality Flight – way too short!
Attending the Berlin Air Show was an enjoyable and educational experience. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to gain a broad perspective about the many aspects of the aerospace industry. As far as a place to seek employment, I think this is not the best setting since the exhibitors are there seeking to sell their products and generally do not have a broad overview as to the organizational needs of their respective companies. That being said one contact at a previous air show which I attended did arrange an internship offer, so one can never know when a relationship might result in further growth even if it is at some point in the more distant future!”
Crowded Hallways = tired feet!
