Milton Vargas

From May 12^th to 14^th, the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) is participating in stand G06 of the International Defense and Security Exhibition of Spain (FEINDEF) with a delegation led by its Chief Executive Officer, Colonel Carlos Salazar, who is accompanied by FIDAE’s Commercial Executive, Commander Emanuel González, and the Commercial Executive for Europe, Patricio Acevedo.

FIDAE’s main objective is to boost participation of Spanish companies in its twenty-fourth edition, considering the significant growth the Spanish industry has experienced in recent years.

To this end, the International and Space Fair has held a series of meetings with Spanish firms, particularly with the Spanish Association of Defense, Security, Aeronautics, and Space Technology Companies (TEDAE). These efforts aim to strength collaboration between both entities and  position Spanish companies as key players of FIDAE 2026, projecting their presence into the Latin American market through Chile’s exhibition.

On May 6^th and 7^th, the Dual Hub Summit –Chile’s first forum on dual innovation–  takes place at the Universidad del Bío-Bío in Concepción. The event is organized by Know Hub Chile and is sponsored, among other entities, by the Chilean Air Force and the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE 2026).

This summit brings together startups, universities, defense-related companies, investors, and key players in the R&D+I ecosystem. Its goal is to consolidate Chile as a Latin American benchmark for dual-use technologies, by making both national and international leaders and top-tier speakers to participate.

One of the main goals of the Dual Hub Summit is to effectively connect science, defense, industry, and the State. Moreover, the event explores Chile’s potential role in the new space race, focusing on how to activate the country’s technological, institutional, and scientific capabilities.

On the first day of the summit, Lieutenant General Luis Sáez Collantes, Commander of the Logistics Command of the Chilean Air Force and President of FIDAE, participated in the second panel, titled “Space Economy: Strategic Opportunities for Chile”, where he made the presentation “FIDAE as a Major Driver for the Development of the Aerospace Industry.” In his remarks, Lieutenant General Sáez emphasized how FIDAE, over its 45-year history, has become a key promoter of the national and regional aerospace sector, as well as a vital bridge connecting industry, academia, and defense.

“FIDAE has established itself as the leading and most widely recognized Aerospace, Defense, and Security Exhibition in Latin America. This success stems from its unique ability to bring together supply and demand, making it the premier trade show in the region with the most balanced and diverse mix of industries. Set in an environment specifically designed for a world-class event, FIDAE serves as the ideal platform for business development, B2B interactions, and networking opportunities. It also features a series of conferences and seminars, offering a comprehensive showcase that continues to evolve alongside the aerospace field,” stated Lieutenant General Sáez.

He added: “The International Air and Space Fair also serves as a major national hub aimed at developing the industry. That is why the participation of FIDAE and the Chilean Air Force in this kind of events is so important. They provide opportunities for discussion and analysis on how to promote research, development, and innovation, and highlight the benefits all this bring to the country.”

The participation of FIDAE 2026 in the Dual Hub Summit reinforces its commitment to fostering innovation and cross-sector collaboration. By actively engaging in initiatives that promote dialogue, FIDAE strengthens its role as a strategic platform for enhancing national and regional capabilities, positioning Chile as a key player in technological advancement.

A delegation from the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), led by its Chief Executive Officer, Colonel Carlos Salazar, attended the Mexico Aerospace Fair 2025 (FAMEX), held from April 23 to 25. The visit was part of the broader promotional campaign for the 24^th edition of Latin America’s leading Aerospace, Defense, and Security Exhibition.

During the event, FIDAE representatives held meetings with their FAMEX counterparts to strengthen ties and promote greater cooperation between the two Latin American exhibitions. In addition, Colonel Salazar and his team met with Luis Lizcano, Executive President and CEO of the Mexican Aerospace Industry Federation (FEMIA), to discuss the potential participation of a cluster of Mexican companies in FIDAE 2026.

This engagement was one of more than 50 meetings held by the FIDAE delegation during their three-day participation in FAMEX 2025, with a particular focus on companies specializing in Airport Equipment and Services, and Aircraft Maintenance.

FIDAE continues preparations for its next edition, which will take place from April 7 to 12, 2026, in Santiago de Chile. The event promises a world-class exhibition featuring important delegations and exhibitors, and a wide range of conferences and seminars. Thus, by promoting talent and industry, and serving as a hub for networking and B2B connections, FIDAE becomes a comprehensive platform where supply meets demand in an environment specially designed for an event of this magnitude, solidifying its role as the gateway to the aerospace, defense, and security markets in the region.

The International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, organized a series of seminars focused on the aerospace industry, which were attended by the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Chilean Air Force, Lieutenant General Leonardo Romanini Gutiérrez, who was accompanied by the Institution’s high command, as well as national and international authorities, academics, and industry leaders.

This conference series began on Wednesday, April 2^nd at Universidad Adolfo Ibáñez with the “Industry-Academia Networking Session”. The event emphasized talent promotion and highlighted initiatives from universities and technical training centers from various countries, all aimed at boosting the space industry in the near future.

The series continued on Thursday, April 3^rd at Universidad Mayor with the seminar “Perspectives on the Aerospace Industry in Chile,” which focused on governance models, collaboration processes, and the creation of companies and startups. This cycle concluded on Friday, April 4^th at Universidad de Los Andes with the “Aerospace Innovation Session,” where innovation was highlighted as the main focus of the industry.

Throughout these three days, FIDAE’s role as a key promoter of the national and regional industry was also emphasized. All these topics will be further addressed during the twenty-fourth edition of the International Air and Space Fair.

It is worth noting the participation of the UK’s Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry and Member of Parliament, Maria Eagle, and the Italian Ambassador to Chile, Valeria Biagiotti, along with prominent national and international academics and industry representatives.