Why the aviation show despite fewer planes, air shows and spectators - is a positive signal.

It is 09:14 local time in Berlin when the newest and only a few months "old" Airbus A380-800 A6EVS makes its way to the German capital for an, albeit indirect, premiere. When the super Airbus lands at 15:08 p.m. and after 5 hours and 54 minutes on the new 4000 meter long northern runway of BER (runway 25L), it is a type first landing at the "Willy Brandt" BER Airport, which opened at the end of October 2020.

Also on board will be the new Emirates Premium Economy Class, which the airline from Dubai will present to the general public at the ILA. Every year, at the latest within the framework of this air show, the reference is made to how much Emirates would also like to head for Berlin as a fifth destination in Germany, but this is not allowed due to the bilateral agreements between Germany and the Emirates regulated at four airports. The renewed wave of the fence post in the direction of German politics, business and local tourism associations should also be part of “good form” this year, as BER already has its own “A380” gate.

The last "Berlin Airshow" took place in 2018 on the adjacent site of Berlin-Schoenefeld Airport (SXF). Due to Corona, the 2020 aviation trade fair could only take place digitally to an extremely limited extent, so now four years after the last face-to-face event, the new beginning follows in a much slimmer form and with significantly fewer spectators.

With a little more than 50 aircraft on display, only a quarter of the pre-corona level will be achieved, and there will also be a noticeable reduction in the number of spectators. While 2018 spectators attended the "Berlin AirShow" in 180.000, only a good 15000 tickets were sold on the two private visitor days (Saturday and Sunday) due to the hygiene concept, but Saturday is already sold out.

On the first three days (Wednesday-Friday), the ILA is initially reserved for trade visitors, who can experience a significantly slimmed-down “AirShow” in the air 3 times a day, on the days for private visitors this takes place 5 times a day.

In addition to the A380-800 of the airline "Emirates", which is already a "regular guest", numerous other civil aircraft such as the "Beluga XL" known as the A330-700 or the Do228NG (Next Generation) will be on display. A selection of military aircraft such as the Airbus A400 (which will also be part of the air shows), helicopters and drones will also be present.

Even if the ILA is taking place this year under new conditions and as a perceived “light” variant, in a much slimmer form, it is a good sign for the industry to resume exchange in Berlin after the difficult Corona times.

An industry that used to be spoiled by growth, which seems to be dealing with countless topics, from low-emission, hydrogen-powered future technologies to the latest military technology, a huge range is covered. And even if it will (still) be a little louder in the sky in the capital region and the surrounding commuter belt in the coming days, an aviation show will ultimately fascinate (almost) everyone, from big to small.