Aircraft manufacturers are more confident of the future of General Aviation in the wake of the AERO 2012 exhibition held in Friedrichshafen, Germany, last week.
AERO is one of Europe’s largest GA shows and this year attracted 550 exhibitors and 30,000 visitors to the airport on the shores of Lake Constance. Everything from model aircraft to high-end business jets was represented, including some new-age solar and electric-powered aircraft.
According to feedback from the aircraft manufacturers, the industry in Europe has reason for optimism.
“We are very pleased with how the show went,” said Jeff Johnson, Global Event Manager for Cirrus. “Our new model, the SR 22 GTS, attracted a lot of visitors. Our press conference on Wednesday, where we presented our new ‘Cirrus Vision’ project, among other things, was a success. We have already had serious sales enquiries and we are expecting solid post-show business.”
Tecnam Sales Manager Walter da Costa agreed with Johnson. “Like every year, the AERO is where we go to meet all of our international dealers and customers. We successfully presented our new P92 Tail Dragger and P92 Seasky aircraft, as well as the P2010 four-seater. We expect to conclude about 35 new contracts.”
After several difficult years, manufacturers are optimistic about the European market again. The strength of the German economy and rising growth in other European countries and the United States have resulted in increased demand in general aviation. The introduction of newer, more fuel-efficient diesel engines, hybrid motors and whisper-quiet electric motors are some of the new incentives that are drawing customers in.
Even though the crowd was 10% down on last year, the show organisers are hailing it as a success, and planning has already begun for AERO 2013.