AERO 2013 organisers have described this years aviation exposition as "exceptionally positive."
AERO 2013 is one of the largest general aviation expositions in Europe, held on the shores of Lake Constance at Friedrichshafen, Germany from April 24-27.
The evaluation of the expo was made by AERO Project Leader Roland Bosch.
"With 630 exhibitors from 35 countries, the quality aviation summit not only had the right mix of products and services, but the response from customers also made for a lot of happy faces," Bosch said.
"32,600 visitors [5% up on last year] – 70% of whom were highly-qualified international visitors from the industry – showed great interest in the new aircraft, technical innovations and in the many expert lectures at the show. An industry publication revealed that the AERO had more type certifications for new aircraft than any international aviation show to date."
Some new types peeked out from behind the curtains at AERO this year, including the Tecnam Astore, Pipistrel Panthera and, quite by surprise, a turbine version of the Diamond DA50.
"The show at Lake Constance is an especially important meeting for industry experts," Bosch explained. "This is where engineers and builders meet; there’s an exchange of views at a very high level. This is especially evident at the conferences and international meetings, but also in the special shows dealing with different propulsion systems, research flights and flight control and navigation devices.
"This is where experts can put the newest equipment to its first real practical test."
Bosch's evaluation garnered support from Bendix King by Honeywell VP Roger Jollis.
"The AERO is a fantastic show," he said. "Every year we love to come here because of the great atmosphere. Messe Friedrichshafen is an excellent place to host a show like this due to the airport which is near, the bright halls and the good organization.
"We had a lot of well informed customers and we gained many sales this year. My boss was impressed too. We both wish we could make a show like this in the US.”
Most of the major GA companies like Piper, Cessna, Cirrus, DAHER, Beechcraft, Diamond, Vulcanair and Tecnam were there, as well as accessory companies such as David Clark, Lightspeed, Centurion Engines and Jabiru Engines Germany.