Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD)
Africa's largest aerospace and defense trade show. AAD runs biennially at Air Force Base Waterkloof outside Pretoria, combining commercial, defense, civil aviation, and a strong African flight training and operator segment.
What to expect
Quick facts
Dates
September 16–20, 2026
Location
AFB Waterkloof
Pretoria, South Africa
Estimated attendance
~50,000
Exhibitors
~350
Registration
from ZAR 200 day pass; trade-only first three days
Languages
EN
Regulatory focus
SACAA
Also known as
AAD, Africa Aerospace and Defence, AAD Pretoria, AAD Waterkloof
Who attends
South African and African aerospace and defense industry, SAAF and African military, African airline leadership, African civil aviation authorities (SACAA, ZACAA, Egypt CAA, KCAA, Rwanda CAA), African flight schools and ATOs, OEMs courting African markets, and a substantial international visiting contingent particularly from Europe, Middle East, and India.
Why flight schools attend
South African flight schools — already a significant training tourism market for European and Asian students — use AAD for supplier relationships, regulator interaction, and student recruitment. Schools placing graduates into African carriers find AAD valuable for the regional carrier and operator relationships. International schools building African student volume use AAD as a primary venue for African-side market presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
AAD runs biennially in even-numbered years (2024, 2026, 2028) in late September at AFB Waterkloof outside Pretoria. The next edition after 2026 is expected in 2028.
Yes for schools building African student volume or placing graduates into African carriers — particularly those active in the South African training tourism market. The relationships between Western flight schools and African operators are built and maintained at AAD over multiple editions.
AAD is the larger biennial trade-show-format event with a strong defense and commercial aerospace component, held at AFB Waterkloof. Aviation Africa Summit is the annual conference-format event focused on commercial and civil aviation that rotates between African capitals. The two are complementary — AAD for the trade-show experience, Aviation Africa Summit for the conference and operator relationships.
Listing last verified May 4, 2026 · Always confirm dates and registration via the official site.