What Did I Not Like About The ILA22?

Hey My dear Aviator,

I was in the lucky position to visit the ILA 22 in Berlin. Why is it lucky? Because all visitor tickets were sold before the aerospace exhibition even opened up its gates after a four-year break due to Corona. So for any of my Aviators who did not make it, I have the highlights for you in this article. But I warn you beforehand. There are not too many. In the end, the ILA22 disappointed me a bit. Find out why.

Do not get me wrong. I am not complaining at this point. I am ultimately happy that Berlin and Brandenburg have been hosting the ILA (Internationale Luftfahrt Ausstellung) for many years. It is just a 30-minute drive from my home to get to the exhibition which every aviation enthusiast will enjoy. Just the fact that you get up very close to aircraft you would normally not see, is a thrill.

🎥 MY INSTAGRAM STORY HIGHLIGHT ABOUT THE ILA22 with over 40 slides!!!

The Static Display ✈️

For me, the static display with different aircraft types is the most exciting part of the exhibition. However, the selection is not that vast and I expected a much bigger display. Additionally, it is not possible for the public to take a step on board, which certainly makes a difference when visiting such an exhibition. I only got to go on board the A350 and BelugaXL because I know someone who knows someone. Otherwise, I would only have been able to see the aircraft from outside. This would have disappointed me a lot, especially as stepping inside of the BelugaXL freighter aircraft was an exceptional experience.

The Military Dominated 🪖

The majority of the aircraft at the static display belonged to the military. Besides fighter jets fabricators, the German military, the US military and NATO displayed their flying equipment. Of course, it is interesting to see, because when do you get to go on board a Boeing 707 of the NATO or take a seat inside a Tornado jet?! Personally, my aviation heart would have opened up more with future aircraft models, mock-ups and new civil aeroplanes.

Emirates Did It Right Again 💺

I think without Emirates there would not have been a commercial airline displaying one of their jets. Emirates came with their last delivered A380 and everyone willing to wait in a long queue was invited to step on board and visit the entire aircraft with its four different classes. Why four? Emirates now has a sleek new Premium Economy Class which settles between Economy and Business Class. The entire cabin has got a design touch up and of course the Sky bar on the upper deck is, besides the cockpit, the best part of the King of the Skies. 

My Wish For ILA In 2024 🌈

Please ILA get bigger and better in two years. Airbus needs to open up their aeroplanes to visitors. They are also their clients who want to see the latest innovations and also want to hear about them. In order to improve the passenger experience, prospective flyers should be invited to enter the aeroplanes.

This Could Be Upgraded 🌟

• Even though the ILA motto is #Pioneering Aerospace, I didn’t really get to discover this on the static display. I would have liked to see more mockups, future aeroplanes and innovations. The same A350 was displayed four years ago and I did not notice any major updates in the cabin. 
• I want to see more civil aviation and more aeroplanes showing their latest innovations which the public are able to touch and experience in real life in an airshow.
• Don’t be so old-fashioned ILA in 2 years. We are in the 21st century and aviation is still a fascinating branch. However, it needs the approval and support of society, as environmental protection becomes more and more essential. That’s why I believe such exhibitions can be so much more informative, entertaining and special to their visitors.
• Another wish for 2024 is that Emirates finally operates to and from Berlin Brandenburg airport by then.

I hope you enjoyed my blog post “What I Did Not Like About The ILA22?” Do not get me wrong I am not here to spread any bad vibes. I just want to get new and fresh impulses for the future. Like I hear your critics about me, I am sharing my constructive feedback about topics.  

Please like my blog post and leave me a comment with your opinion.

Happy and safe landings!

Your PilotPatrick