The 2021 Aerospace and Defence Trade Show (ADTS), which was due to take place at Lanseria International Airport, north west of Johannesburg, has been cancelled.
The cancellation is as a result of safety concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The biannual Africa Aerospace and Defence is Africa’s only aerospace and defence expo. It combines both a trade exhibition and an air show.
In a statement, the ADTS says with the enormous uncertainties that the pandemic has dealt the global events industry, the successful execution of the show was significantly compromised.
Acting Executive Director of the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association and Excom Chairperson for ADTS 2021, Sandile Ndlovu says, “The decision to cancel this event was not an easy one, however, the health and safety of all concerned, together with adhering to the prescripts of the law, is of absolute importance to us.”
He says, “Trade events traditionally rely on the patronage of international delegations, and this is a return on investment that we would offer to our exhibitors; failing to present our exhibitors with high-level delegations and buyers would not auger well for us as organisers. This was also a factor taken into account in the decision-making process. We’ve looked at all the possible scenarios and really want to thank all exhibitors and sponsors for their patience and unwavering support in the past months leading to this difficult and yet essential decision.”
He says their focus now is directed at 2022.
Below is the Aerospace and Defence Trade Show that was held in 2018:
Africa Aerospace and Defence Air show in 2016:
Defence and aerospace show in 2014:
