FIDAE 2024

The FIDAE International Air and Space Fair (Feria Internacional del Aire y del Espacio in Spanish) was carried out in Santiago de Chile, the Chilean capital, during April 9 until April 14, 2024.

The biennial venue took place at the Pudahuel Air Base (belonging to the Chilean Air Force [Fuerza Aérea Chilena – FACH]) located north of the Arturo Merino Benítez civilian international airport. FIDAE promotes the development of mostly aerospace, as well as defence and security industries, providing opportunities for commercial and technological exchanges between participating organisations.

The FACH who entirely organises the show provided access to trade and press participants during the “professional” week which began on Monday April 9 until Friday April 12, whilst on the weekend the general public could visit. This year FIDAE celebrated its twenty third exhibition.

Thousands of attendees toured the pavilions, eager to learn about the latest technological innovations. The international presence was felt, with the participation of more than 50 countries, 600 official and professional delegations as well as more than 420 exhibitors, all of them with the intention of strengthening ties and exploring opportunities for collaboration in a constantly evolving market.

Away from the business meetings the airspace east from the base, was often busy with aerial exhibitions. A total of 115 aircraft – both rotary and fixed wing – took part, and during the brief periods without flying, the visitor could be delighted by a long list of aircraft on static display.

Some captivating aerial demonstrations were provided by aircraft such as the USAF F-22 Raptor; as well as FACH F-16 Fighting Falcon Block 50 and Block 15 models; the F-5 Tiger III; A-29B Super Tucano; DHC-6 Twin Otter and the MH-60M Black Hawk and Bell 412 helicopters. Always a delight to observe were the acrobatic presentations of the Air Demonstration Squadron (EDA – Escuadrão de Demostração Aérea) of the Brazilian Air Force (FAB – Força Aérea Brasileira), known as the “Esquadrilha da Fumaça” (Smoke Squadron); the “Halcones” (Falcons) High Acrobatics Squadron belonging to the FACH Presentations Group.

Space being of increasing importance with many air arms in Latin America, the holding of Space Summit 2024, dedicated to space innovation and exploration, attracted prominent experts and industry leaders, who shared their knowledge and visions about the future of space exploration, its challenges and multilateral cooperation.

FIDAE 2024 reaffirmed its position as the most important aerospace fair on the continent, being an essential meeting point for aerospace professionals, companies and agencies. Its success is the result of the commitment and excellence of the Chilean Air Force in the organisation of this international event.

We invite you now to view image gallery below where you could see most aircraft displayed both in the air and on the ground during FIDAE 2024.