FIDAE STRENGTHENS TIES WITH THE SPANISH INDUSTRY IN FEINDEF

From May 12th to 14th, 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.

 

     

FIDAE 2026 SPONSORS THE DUAL HUB SUMMIT, CHILE’S FIRST DUAL INNOVATION FORUM

On May 6th and 7th, 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.

 

 

FIDAE CONCLUDES SUCCESSFUL VISIT TO FAMEX 2025

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 24th 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.

 

 

 

FIDAE HOSTS EVENTS ON INDUSTRY, ACADEMIA, AND INNOVATION

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 2nd 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 3rd 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 4th 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.

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.