This Monday (16 February) marks seven months until Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) opens for its silver anniversary event, one which would not have made it the success it is without the support of general aviation (GA) in the form of CAASA (the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa).
Marking the anniversary as well as its position as lead partner for the 2026 exhibition, the January CAASA newsletter has it GA has long been a foundation pillar of AAD, reflecting South Africa’s depth of capability, institutional maturity and collaborative spirit across the aviation ecosystem.
At the January AAD 25-year celebration and 2026 exhibition launch, the GA contribution was formally acknowledged as a key category that helped shape the exhibition into Africa’s premier aerospace and defence platform. The recognition, according to the Lanseria-based Association’s newsletter, was both symbolic and substantive.
“It underscored the reality that AAD is not only a defence and security exhibition, but a holistic aviation showcase – one that recognises the inter-connected roles of military aviation, commercial aerospace and GA in sustaining the broader industry.
“AAD continues to provide a strategic platform for General Aviation stakeholders to engage meaningfully at both the national and international levels. For South Africa, the exhibition serves as a vehicle to strengthen relationships with partner nations, positioning the country as a reliable and capable collaborator across the aerospace, defence and security domains. General Aviation plays a critical role in this ecosystem, contributing to innovation, skills pipelines and industrial resilience.
“While often associated with large defence primes, AAD also supports small and medium enterprises, specialist GA manufacturers, maintenance organisations and service providers that rely on export markets for growth and sustainability. By facilitating access to international delegations and buyers, AAD creates tangible commercial opportunities across the value chain.
“The recognition of GA, its associations and long-serving contributors such as Johannes Nel reflects AAD’s appreciation of the sector’s strategic value. As AAD continues to evolve, GA will remain an integral partner in advancing South Africa’s aerospace ambitions and showcasing African capability to the world,” the newsletter reads in part.
On Nel the Association has it his two decades of “dedicated service” left a lasting impact on the event’s governance, financial stewardship and success, including his appointment as Chair of the Finance Committee.
Also at the silver anniversary event, two “cornerstone organisations” in South Africa’s general aviation sector – the Aero Club of South Africa and Airshow South Africa – were recognised for ongoing contributions to AAD. “These associations represent the heartbeat of aviation in the country and their engagement with AAD has ensured GA remains visible, relevant and integrated in the broader aerospace and defence narrative,” according to the newsletter.
AAD 2026, now a government declared national event, will again be staged at its spiritual home – Air Force Base (AFB) Waterkloof – in Centurion from 16 to 20 September. Early indications are the presence of 300 plus exhibitors, representing South Africa, Africa and the world; with 30 000 trade visitors and 80 000 air show visitors expected.
