FIDAE FOSTERS RELATIONS WITH COMPANIES IN THE HOMELAND SECURITY INDUSTRY

On Wednesday, September 25, Colonel Carlos Salazar, Chief Executive Officer of the International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), and Commander Emanuel Gonzalez, the Fair’s Commercial Manager, were invited to the inauguration of the 8th version of SeguridadExpo 2024 in Santiago de Chile. They represented FIDAE, the oldest and foremost Aerospace, Defense and Security Exhibition in Latin America.

Given that Homeland Security is one of the fields covered by FIDAE, the delegation took the opportunity to connect with related companies to strengthen ties in this increasingly important area for the countries of the region.

 

Thus, FIDAE continues to nationally and internationally promote its 24th edition, scheduled to take place from April 7 to 12, 2026 on the northern side of Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, in Santiago de Chile. This ongoing engagement further solidifies FIDAE as the leading business platform for the industry and a gateway to the emerging Latin American market.

ABIMDE RESERVES 100 SQUARE METERS FOR FIDAE 2026

From September 18 to 22, a delegation from the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE 2026, led by its Commercial Manager, Commander Emanuel Gonzalez, visited the Africa Aerospace and Defense (AAD) exhibition. There, the team met with key companies in the aerospace and defense industry from various continents that attended the exhibition in the South African country.

During the event, the Associação Brasileira das Indústrias de Materiais de Defesa e Segurança (ABIMDE) reconfirmed its participation in FIDAE by reserving 100 square meters.

To date, the International Air and Space Fair has over 2,100 square meters reserved, underscoring the significance of this Chilean event for the regional industry. It solidifies FIDAE’s position as the oldest and foremost Aerospace, Defense and Security Exhibition in Latin America.

FIDAE PROMOTES ITS TWENTY-FOURTH EDITION IN POLAND

From September 3 to September 6, a delegation from the International Air and Space Fair led by its Chief Executive Officer –Colonel Carlos Salazar– has been promoting at the International Defense Exhibition –MSPO (Poland)– what will be the twenty-fourth edition of FIDAE, the oldest and foremost Aerospace, Defense and Security exhibition in Latin America.

During the visit, FIDAE has been able to hold several meetings with companies in the industry.  As a result, the importance of the Chilean Fair as a business platform has been made known to the Polish industry –and other participating European countries– as well as its role as an important hub for exhibitors to present their portfolio of products, developments and technological solutions to the regional market.

 

The International Air and Space Fair will be held from April 7 to April 12, 2026 on the northern side of Arturo Merino Benitez Airport, in Santiago de Chile, where supply and demand will meet in an environment specially designed for a world-class event.

COMPANIES BOOK MORE THAN 350 SQUARE METERS FOR FIDAE 2026 AT FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW

From July 22 to July 26, the FIDAE 2026 delegation, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Colonel Carlos Salazar, held numerous meetings with major companies in the industry during the Farnborough International Airshow. These firms confirmed their participation with more than 350 square meters for the twenty-fourth edition of the Chilean exhibition.

In this sense, ECM Expo&Conference Management, organizer of the German Pavilion; GIFAS (Groupement des Industries Françaises Aéronautiques et Spatiales), organizer of the French Pavilion; and the U.S. company All Clear Aerospace Defense will be among the key actors in FIDAE 2026, which to date accounts for more than 2,000 square meters booked.

 

The International Air and Space Fair –recognized as the leading and most established Aerospace, Defense, and Security exhibition in Latin America– will be held from April 7 to April 12, 2026, on the northern side of the Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport in Santiago de Chile. It is important to highlight that FIDAE is currently working on every detail to ensure a first-class event for all attendees.

FIDAE LAUNCHES THE IMAGE OF ITS TWENTY-FOURTH EDITION AT THE FIA 2024 ENGLISH AIRSHOW

On Wednesday, July 24, the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, launched the official image and the date of its 24th edition, which will be held from April 7 to 12, 2026, in Santiago de Chile, during a reception at the English exhibition Farnborough International Airshow.

 

The event took place at the FIDAE stand, located in Hall 2 – 2508 and was chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of FIDAE 2026, Colonel Carlos Salazar, accompanied by the Commercial Manager, Commander Emanuel González and the Commercial Executive for Europe, Patricio Acevedo.

 

 

 

 

The activity was also attended by the Chilean Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ximena Fuentes Torrijo; the diplomat of the Chilean Embassy, Andrés Nogueira Muñoz; the Space Director of the Chilean Air Force, Major General Luis Sáez Collantes; and the Chilean Air Attaché to the United Kingdom, Colonel Alejandro Arévalo. Besides, various authorities, exhibitors, FIDAE representatives abroad and executives of international exhibitions were present.

 

According to Colonel Salazar, “Following the outstanding results of FIDAE 2024, which were largely thanks to the trust placed in us by each of our participants –such as exhibitors, delegations, media and attendees– the organization of the International Air and Space Fair is already working to once again host a world-class event where supply and demand can meet in a business-friendly environment”.

 

 

 

 

“For FIDAE 2026 we have already confirmed reservations for exhibition spaces, and it will once again be a hub for the world’s most important companies to showcase their products and services, forge alliances, and expand their commercial ties in the emerging Latin American market. The start of this new phase is at the Farnborough International Airshow, where the image of the FIDAE next edition, the leading and most established Aerospace, Defense, and Security exhibition in Latin America, will be introduced,” he added.

 

FIDAE 2026 ALREADY APPOINTED ITS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

On Wednesday, May 15, at the facilities of the International Air and Space Fair and in the presence of the Commander of the Logistics Command and President of FIDAE, Lieutenant General Máximo Venegas Raggio, the transfer of power of the oldest and foremost Aerospace, Defense, and Security Exhibition in Latin America took place.

 

Thus, Colonel Ignacio Baeza handed over the Exhibition’s Executive Office to Colonel Carlos Salazar, who will lead the twenty-fourth edition of this important event.

 

On this occasion, Colonel Salazar emphasized “the relevance that the International Air and Space Fair has as it is already consolidated at international level. It is a contribution to the country and to the Region; thus, it is everybody’s duty to boost its prestige”.

 

Besides, he added: “It is a huge challenge, and, for me, it is an honor to lead this world-class Fair. I have no doubts that thanks to the assistance of the people that permanently work here and those who support the labor during the fair period, we will, once again, enhance the reputation of the Chilean Air Force before the world’s eyes”.

 

Likewise, Lieutenant General Venegas highlighted and expressed appreciation for the work done by Colonel Baeza while commanding FIDAE 2024, which succeeded beyond expectations. At the same time, he wished the FIDAE 2026 CEO the best in his management.

 

Note that the twenty-fourth edition of the International Air and Space Fair will be carried out in 2026, at the northern side of the Airport Arturo Merino Benítez in Santiago de Chile.

SUCCESSFUL TWENTY-THIRD EDITION

During its twenty-third edition, FIDAE occupied 15,604 square meters and managed to overcome 420 exhibitors, 115 exhibition aircraft, more than 50 participant countries, over 600 official and trade delegations, more than 1,500 national and foreign accredited press, as well as spotters who covered the show, added to the approximately 100,000 attendees of the event.

 

During the trade fair, technological advances and innovation of the six categories covered by the exhibition –Civil & Commercial Aviation, Defense, Airport Equipment and Services, Homeland Security, Aircraft Maintenance, and Space Technology– were appreciated.

 

The Trade Show started on Tuesday, April 9 and ended on Friday, April 12. At the Fair, professionals from different categories showed their portfolios of goods and services, instance where various commercial agreements were established and about 1,500 meetings were scheduled.

 

The air demonstrations were shown on the weekend dedicated to general public, which enjoyed aerial and static exhibitions, such as the Technology Fair of the Chilean Air Force, where attendees had the opportunity to learn about state-of-the-art technology that FACH is equipped with. Similarly, the Air Force stand dedicated to the Forces Schools, Exhibition Team, and Space Direction was also set up.

 

Within the air demonstrations, aircraft such as the USAF F-22 Raptor, and the FACH F-16; F-5; Super Tucano; DHC-6 Twin Otter; and MH-60M Black Hawk, UH-1H and Bell 412 helicopters stood out. Moreover, the aerobatics of the Força Aérea Brasileira (FAB) dazzled the audience thanks to the “Esquadrilha da Fumaça’’; the Escuadrilla de Alta Acrobacia ‘’Halcones’’ belonging to the Exhibition Team of the Chilean Air Force; Team Villarica; RV Team and the Chilean pilots, Mijali Proestakis and Felipe Tapia, among others.

 

Moreover, the parachute teams formed by the FACH Boinas Azules Parachute Team; the Wings of Blue from the USAF, and the Colombian Air Force team Águila de Gules captivated those who enjoyed their spectacle.

 

The International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE, organized by the Chilean Air Force, ended its twenty-third edition with great success. Among other areas, it allowed to generate greater aerospace awareness in the inhabitants of the country, brought the Institution closer to the people, especially to children, and reaffirmed the importance that this recognized exhibition represents for Chile.

 

We look forward to seeing you in FIDAE 2026!

LOCALS OF PUDAHUEL VISIT FIDAE 2024

Within the framework of the twenty-third edition of the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE 2024, locals of the commune of Pudahuel were able to meet the aircraft present in the air exhibition of biggest trajectory and recognition in Latin America.

 

Thanks to the joint work between FIDAE, Latam and Delta airlines, la Ilustre Municipalidad de Pudahuel, and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), locals representing technical schools, in addition of children and the elderly, had an entertaining day. Among other activities, they were able to board a modern Latam  Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner commercial airliner.

 

In the activity were present the Mayor of the Municipality of Pudahuel, Ítalo Bravo; General Director of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC), Lieutenant General Carlos Madina Díaz; the Vice President of Latin America for Delta Air Lines, Alex Antilla; and the Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at LATAM, Juan José Tohá.

 

The objective of the visit was, in the context of FIDAE, to bring locals closer to airlines and create new common spaces to host partnerships between both communities. The idea is to keep on promoting activities with the Municipalidad de Pudahuel, following this line, that allows to be a contribution and keep opening spaces for the community based on dialogue, mutual cooperation and new ideas.

STUDENTS FROM THE UNIVERSIDAD FEDERICO SANTA MARÍA VISITED FIDAE 2024

The sophomore students of Commercial Pilot and Commercial Aviation Engineering visited the International Air and Space Fair, FIDAE 2024.

 

The tour was guided by the University professor, Jaime Campos, who said “the purpose of this visit is that students acquire an aeronautical culture. Aviation has different areas, such as the civil or commercial ones, and this seeks to create awareness in the students about the wide world of aviation”.

 

In addition, he also said that “the course is composed of 28 students, where six are women, and it is in FIDAE where they have the possibility to learn about the different edges that they will face during their professional life”.

 

It is worth mentioning that the Department of Aeronautics of the institution also presented a flight simulator of the Cessna 172 aircraft in FIDAE, which served as a support to promote the different programs they teach in relation with aviation.

LAUNCH OF FACH INNOVATION PROGRAM “AD ASTRA”

With the launch of the Chilean Air Force Innovation Program and the non-profit organization Know Hub Chile, named Ad Astra, on Friday, April 12, the third version of Space Summit ended, which was developed since Tuesday, April 9 within the framework of the execution of FIDAE 2024.

The activity counted with the presence of the Undersecretary of Defense, Ricardo Montero Allende, accompanied by the FACH Space Director, Major General, Luis Sáez Collantes; the Know Hub Chile President, Javier Ramirez; the Italian Astronaut Roberto Vittori; the Shield AI President and Co-founder, Brandon Tseng; and the Chilean miner, Mario Sepúlveda. The purpose of the launch was showing how important it is for the Chilean Air Force to have an ally such as the Know Hub corporation that could serve as a bridge to connect it with innovation.

“The objective of this program is to highlight the innovation as a tool to come up with new ideas to improve specific problems of the Institution. Thus, it becomes a much more efficient and developed body, which will be able to better fulfill its functions and mission in pursuit of national development” said Major General Saez. Besides, he pointed out that it is a company expert in innovation which will help to achieve these challenges.

“It will put us in touch with the ecosystem of science, technology and innovation so that it is the scientific or academic community itself that will enable us to overcome the challenges that we are going to set ourselves in this program, such as the development of artificial intelligence or the use of satellites with new materials. These constitute innovative ideas that allow us to keep doing the same, but in a better way”, he said. Besides, he pointed out that this program seeks to resolve challenges in both defense and civil world areas, by working with universities, research centers, startups, and civil and defense companies both domestic and foreign.

After the launching period, and as an example that innovation is such a broad bridge which may go from saving lives to the progress of humanity, the audience attended a panel discussion integrated by one of the 33 buried miners in the San Jose Mine, Mario Sepúlveda; the European Space Agency astronaut, Roberto Vittori; and the Shield AI President, and Co-founder, Brandon Tseng. They all told their story and let know how innovation shaped a part of their lives.