● GHANA: First African Air Expo due to be held in Accra from 9 - 11 October 2014.

A completely new African aviation exhibition, African Air Expo 2014, was launched at this year’s Cannes AirShow when Didier Mary, Managing Director of AirShow organizers, Adone Events signed a protocol agreement to organize the show. Under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Ghana, Mr John Dramani Mahama and the Minister of Transport, Mrs Dzifa Ativor, Adone Events will coordinate the exhibition to be held in Ghana 9 – 11 October, 2014.   The event will take place at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, capital of Ghana, and will welcome exhibitors and delegates from across the Sub-Saharan region.

The Ghanaian delegation In Cannes

African Air Expo is aiming to attract a mix of General, Business and Commercial Aviation exhibitors who will come together on a static area of 50 000 sqm. The designated space will accommodate over 100 aircraft ranging in size from single and twin engine models, turbo props, and executive jets through to commercial wide-body aircraft. The show format will reflect the approach taken at Abu Dhabi Air Expo, also organised by Adone Events, which offers chalets and tents located next to the runway enabling manufacturers to present their whole range of aircraft and to facilitate arrange demonstration flights.

“I am honoured that the Ghanaian Authorities have shown their confidence in Adone by agreeing to collaborate with us on this exciting new venture. Our experience, knowledge and network of aviation contacts is such that we can already confirm that more than 50 companies in aviation, ranging from general and business to commercial have expressed strong interest in participating. The growth of African aviation, particularly in Ghana and the Sub-Saharan region reflects the need for this type of exhibition and we are delighted to be involved,” said Didier Mary, General Manager of Adone Events.

In addition an exhibition hall will host more than 150 booths where exhibitors will showcase a full range of aviation services and products. It is anticipated aviation equipment suppliers, avionics companies, airport facility providers, infrastructure experts, security organisations air traffic control companies, amongst others, will use the opportunity to present their products to the burgeoning African aviation marketplace.  Delegates are expected to include aircraft owners, operators, pilots, aviation enthusiasts, trainees, aviation executives from across the sector, industry experts and regulatory bodies all wishing to learn more about the latest trends and products in the African General, Business and Commercial Aviation sector.

“It’s an important announcement for the African continent, especially for Ghana which is one as one of the most dynamic countries in Africa is experiencing strong economic growth, and an increase in aviation activity,” said Mrs Ativor. “The combination of Adone Events which specialises in organizing international aviation events, with ICE which arranges excellent conferences makes for a powerful proposition. It seems obvious to us that it’s time for Ghana to provide a platform for such an important international event.”

Running in parallel with the exhibition will be a conference arranged by the International Centre of Excellence (ICE), a UAE based aviation training and conference specialist. The conference is expected to discuss and debate important themes relating to all issues that will affect the future of aviation in Africa and will address issues such as training, maintenance, skills shortages, recruitment, and other key topics.