Berlin, June 28, 2022: During their visit to Berlin-Brandenburg, a total of 19 delegation members experienced a varied program of events, networking opportunities, technical discussions and conferences at and around the #ILA22 Berlin. After a cool start in the following midsummer temperatures, the week in the region was also a challenge for actively involved participants during the exhibition days at the EXPOCenter Airport near the capital’s BER Airport.

From June 20 - 24, 2022, LNC LogisticNetwork Consultants GmbH conducted a fact-finding mission for U.S. buyers and multipliers in the aerospace industry on behalf of the German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection (BMWK). The most important goal was to network with medium-sized German aerospace supply companies ready to expand their US business.

To kick off the delegation week, Berlin-based PACE Aerospace Engineering and Information Technology GmbH welcomed participants to a networking event at its spacious offices at Westend Station. PACE is a globally operating German-Italian software company specializing in digital strategies and solutions in the aerospace sector. Delegates were presented current projects at various stations throughout the building. One highlight was the use of a 3D simulator in virtual space (LAB).

In moody weather, PACE managing directors Frank Ehlermann and Fabio Ortalli welcomed the delegation together with Walter Birkhan from the Berlin-Brandenburg Aerospace Alliance (BBAA e.V.). Dr. Philipp Laass of Euler Hermes AG provided an impetus with his overview of "Hermes Guarantees in North American Business." In addition, some participating companies took the opportunity for a short elevator pitch.

The first two days included additional company visits in the region at Element Materials Technology Berlin. The Berlin site in Adlershof is one of more than 200 laboratories worldwide that focus on testing aerospace products. Test engineers Anja Carl, Nils Bakenhus and Daniel Wilhelm provided extensive insight and demonstrated the elaborate test setups, such as for extensive vibration, spin and fatigue testing for heavy turbine components.

Also, at AneCom AeroTest GmbH, CEO Dr. Karsten Mühlenfeld welcomed the delegation to the Aerospace Technology Center Wildau. In the unique compressor test center, various aerodynamic and acoustic tests, for example on new turbines, have been carried out since 2003. For this purpose, the turbines have to be integrated in elaborate systems to simulate real-time operation.

Participation in the Berlin Aviation Summit (BAS), a joint event of the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) at the conference center of Berlin's ESTREL hotel, was a program highlight for many participants. Leading industry representatives, such as Dave Calhoun (CEO Boeing) and Guillaume Faury (CEO Airbus) discussed the challenges and necessary changes towards zero-emission air transport with proven experts. Politically, Economics and Climate Protection Minister Robert Habeck (Bündnis 90 / Die Grünen) and Dr. Volker Wissing (FDP) defined European goals for commercial aviation.

The focus of the delegation program in the second half of the week was the presence at the ILA Berlin 2022. Participants gained an overview through a tour organized by the BDLI with visits to the joint stands of the network partner Leichtbau Baden-Württemberg, the presentation of EU innovation projects or the pioneer for urban air mobility Volocopter.

In the joint state showcase of the northern German states and Bavaria, Dr. Jürgen Drescher (DLR) gave a compact overview of research activities in Germany and internationally. At the networking with company representatives, three delegates again took the opportunity to present their companies' product portfolios in a short pitch. All delegation members were also invited to the networking events organized by BavAIRia on the ILA grounds and the North German States in the Hamburg State Representation on the second day of the trade show. Many delegates took advantage of the excellent opportunities for intensive bilateral talks and for establishing new business contacts.

Another highlight of the information trip was the reception at the booth of the Federal Government by Sabine Honer from the Aviation Department of the BMWK. Numerous impressive technical innovations in the aerospace sector were presented and vividly demonstrated on a tour organized by DLR.

The midsummer weather, with temperatures around 36 °Celsius, came as no surprise to seasoned ILA trade visitors. It is traditionally very warm at the Berlin Air Show. However, since a number of U.S. and German participants on the mission were present at ILA both as delegates and as exhibitors, they were not able to attend all parts of the program at the same time. This did not detract from the success of the trip. The vast majority of participants were very satisfied with the program overall and would participate again in such a fact finding mission.