A significant milestone has been reached in the lead-up to the 12th biennial Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) trade exhibition and airshow. As of 9 June 2024, we are officially 100 days away from Africa’s premier exhibition of aerospace potential, which attracts no less than 40,000 visitors per day.

To celebrate this milestone, AAD, in collaboration with its strategic partners—South Africa’s Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Association (AMD), the Armaments Corporation of South Africa SOC Limited (Armscor), and the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), along with the South African Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DOD)—unveiled the 100-day countdown to AAD 2024.

The event took place on the morning of 10 June at the Royal Elephant Hotel and Conference Centre, where the exciting features and activities planned for AAD 2024 were outlined. Ms Nakedi Phasha, the Exhibition Director for AAD, stated, “This year’s theme, ‘Exploring New Paths, Sharing Solutions, Showcasing Innovation and Capabilities,’ encapsulates our commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing global partnerships, and showcasing the impressive capabilities within the aerospace and defence 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.”

The event was officially opened by the Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane, Cllr. Cilliers Brink emphasized the city’s readiness and highlighted the benefits AAD will bring not only to Tshwane but to the entire country.

In her Keynote Address, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Honourable 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 Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) will take place from 18 to 22 September 2024 at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Centurion, Gauteng. AAD is the only and largest aerospace and defence Exhibition and Air Show on the African continent. The event holds a flagship status in South Africa's, and indeed the Continent's, defence industry's calendar.

The trade show has continued to grow with each edition and will once again bring together some of the world’s major industry players to showcase the latest technological innovations in aviation, aerospace and defence industries as well as stage a platform to engage in dialogue and discourse on international defence, aerospace and other related best practices.