Airbus: Largest exhibitor at FIDAE air show

Airbus had a major presence at the 20th edition of the FIDAE Air Show, where it showcased its latest products, services and innovations in the commercial aircraft, defence, space and helicopter markets. Since 1994 Airbus has participated in the biennial show, which took place at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez Airport in April.

Show included a press briefing led by Rafael Alonso, President of Airbus Latin America and Caribbean, where he reaffirmed the importance of the region for Airbus and a promising outlook for the aviation market. In Chile particularly, the latest Airbus Global Market Forecast predicts two trends to unfold in the next 20 years: economy and traffic to grow above the regional average, and aircraft demand doubling. During the Aviation Leaders Forum also taking place during FIDAE, Alonso was presented the "Leader in Aviation Community in Latin America" Award by Dr. Fang Liu, General Secretary of International Civil Aviation Organization.

Airbus products could be seen across the FIDAE grounds, starting with the A350-900, which was on static display and took part in flying demonstrations throughout the show. The aircraft made its first debut at FIDAE in 2016.

For Airbus Defence and Space its highlight was the presence of the Spanish Air Force's A400M, a new-generation military airlifter. The highly-versatile C295 military transport and mission aircraft from the Mexican Air Force (SEDENA) was also on static display.

Several Airbus helicopters were also showcased, from the light-single engine H125 and H130 to the medium H155 to the light twin engine H135 and H145.

Also, air show attendees were able to get a glimpse of a mockup of the AstroBus-S, a compact satellite with high performance that was the basis of the Perú SAT-1, the Peruvian satellite built in a timeframe of less than two years and successfully launched in September 2016.

Last but not least, Airbus welcomed a very important group to spend the day at FIDAE-- a cohort of young engineering students from three Chilean universities: Católica, Federico Santa María and de Chile. Students were able to learn about Airbus, engage with Airbus executives, pilots and technicians, and go onboard the A350 and A400M.

For more information, please contact:
Liza Goldstein
Communications Specialist, Airbus Latin America & Caribbean
liza.goldstein@airbus.com