ILA Berlin Air Show 2022

Lockheed-Martin-F-35A Lightning II Italy air force MM7359

Introduction

ILA Berlin Air Show 2022 marked the premier post-pandemic return of Germany’s flagship aerospace exhibition. Staged at the edge of Berlin Brandenburg Airport, the event gathered international aerospace leaders, defense officials, and technology innovators to showcase sustainable aviation concepts, advanced military hardware, and space exploration systems under the central theme of “Pioneering Aerospace”.

General Information about the Airshow

  • Official Title: ILA Berlin 2022 (Internationale Luft- und Raumfahrtausstellung)
  • Airfield / Venue Address: Berlin ExpoCenter Airport, Messestraße 1, 12529 Schönefeld (Brandenburg), Germany
  • Event Dates: June 22 – June 26, 2022
  • Weather Conditions: Predominantly dry, warm summer weather with partly cloudy to clear skies; ambient temperatures ranged between 24°C and 31°C.

History

ILA Berlin 2022 welcomed approximately 72,000 visitors and featured 550 exhibitors from 29 nations. The event prioritized defense readiness and eco-efficient technology.

The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) served as the primary exhibitor, deploying the Eurofighter Typhoon, Panavia Tornado, Airbus A400M Atlas, and Sikorsky CH-53G. International military participants showcased the Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and the Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Civil highlights included the Airbus A350-900, zero-emission test platforms, and electric light aircraft such as the Pipistrel Velis Electro.

Aerial demonstrators featured dynamic solo routines by the Luftwaffe Eurofighter Typhoon and tactical refueling passes alongside a multinational Airbus A330 MRTT. Rotary demonstrations highlighted search-and-rescue simulations using Airbus H145M and NHIndustries NH90 helicopters.

Specifications

  • Show Grounds Total Area: Approximately 250,000 m²
  • Covered Exhibition Hall Space: 20,000 m² (distributed across four primary display halls)
  • Outdoor Display Area: 129,000 m²
  • Operational Nature: Hybrid commercial trade exposition, military defense forum, and public aerospace showcase.
  • Participating Countries: 29 nations (prominent national delegations included Germany, the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Israel, and the United Kingdom).
  • Stars of the Show: The Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II (highlighting Germany’s future fighter acquisition program), the Airbus A330 MRTT tanker, the Eurofighter Typhoon, and hydrogen-propulsion technology demonstrators.