Kick-off for the ILA air show near Berlin. The organizers want to provide insight into military-technical innovations and innovations for sustainable air traffic.
Military helicopters, transport aircraft, rockets and satellites: At the International Air Show (ILA) near Berlin, which started this Wednesday, exhibitors were able to bring up large equipment on the grounds of the capital’s BER airport for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic.
The focus of the industry get-together is on the topics of military security and sustainability in aviation. At the opening on Wednesday, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) emphasized the importance of the industry for ecological transformation.
“The core issue is how we rebuild our economic model, which was based on burning coal, oil and natural gas for almost 200 years, in such a way that we secure the future of our planet,” said Scholz. “So it’s good that your industry is doing everything it can to make Europe’s aviation sector CO2-neutral by 2050.”
On the one hand, this means converting production to climate-neutral processes. “On the other hand, we need new, profitable technologies and ideas for the CO2-free mobility of the future.” Ground management, flight routes, materials, propulsion technologies, all of this must be redesigned.
Europe should emancipate itself
With a view to security, the head of the Federal Association of the German Aerospace Industry (BDLI), Michael Schöllhorn, warned of Europe’s technological dependencies on other industrialized nations. “Europe must emancipate itself, master selected technologies of the future itself and must not become unilaterally dependent,” said the head of the association.
This risk does exist in some areas of the aerospace industry. Schöllhorn cited satellite technology in space travel as an example. Europe needs its own satellite constellation, “so we don’t just have to rely on Elon Musk when it’s necessary.”
Clear criticism from climate protectors
Environmental activists from the organization Robin Wood criticized the ILA. “Anyone who talks about climate protection, but organizes absurd and completely unnecessary air shows all weekend to entertain the guests, makes themselves unbelievable,” the association previously said. “The new drive technologies discussed in the industry and the planned increases in efficiency are not even remotely sufficient and come too late to reduce emissions by 2030.”
In addition, one can hardly speak of climate neutrality if the industry wants to offset a large part of the emissions through CO2 compensation projects in the future. These often remained ineffective and even caused social and ecological damage.
After a Corona break in 2020, the ILA was able to take place again for the first time this year. 550 exhibitors from the aerospace industry present their innovations at BER Airport. The focus is on both military security and the ecological transformation of the industry. Future combat aircraft and helicopters of the Bundeswehr will be on display. Visitors can also find out about new developments in space travel and new forms of propulsion.
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are trade visitor days. On Saturday and Sunday, up to 15,000 private visitors can visit the exhibition center in the Selchow district of Schönefeld right next to Berlin-Brandenburg Airport (BER).
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
