Mission Statement
Aerospace Executive Service at Africa Aerospace and Defense 2008
Ysterplaat Air Force Base, Cape Town, South Africa
September 16-19, 2008

Mission Description:

The United States Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration, U.S. Commercial Service is organizing an Aerospace Executive Service (AES) at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Air Show (AAD), September 16-19, 2008.  The mission will begin with a market briefing on the eve of AAD’s opening (September 17), with subsequent mission activities held at the show through September 19.  The AES provides an affordable way for small and medium-sized businesses to participate in AAD and meet valuable contacts in the aerospace and defense industries.  The mission will include one-on-one business appointments, a VIP pass to the air show, a product literature display, meeting area at the U.S. pavilion, a country market briefing, and networking events.

Commercial Setting:

The Africa Aerospace and Defense Air Show is a biennial event.  AAD 2008 will be held September 17-21, 2008, at the Ysterplaat Air Force Base, outside Cape Town.  AAD is one of the world’s pre-eminent second-tier air shows and a major venue for marketing aerospace and related defense technology, as well as business and commercial aviation equipment and facilities.  With extensive displays and exhibitions, a broad program of conferences, and substantial new marketing opportunities, AAD provides an ideal platform for the AES.  AAD 2006 showcased more than 44 commercial aircraft, hosted a record-breaking 400 exhibitors from 27 countries, and attracted official delegations from 26 countries.  Additional information on AAD 2008 will be posted on the event website:  http://www.aadexpo.co.za/.

The South African aerospace and defense industry has built up significant research, development, and manufacturing capabilities, dominated by six companies:  Aerosud, ADS, ATE, Denel, Saab-Grintek, and Reunert.  There are many others in these industries, and all are looking for technology and strategic partnerships with U.S. suppliers and defense contractors to reduce reliance on European technology and marketing partners.  South African aerospace and defense contractors cover a wide technological base, presenting substantial opportunities for further market development by U.S. aerospace companies.  The South African aerospace industry has developed expertise in the following areas (for an exhaustive list of companies and their fields of specialization see http://www.amd.org.za/):

• Logistics and security solutions for forward peacekeeping and humanitarian support
• Wide-area demining
• Local population communication programs
• Ultra-mobile heavy and armored wheeled vehicles
• Transponders
• Battle management systems
• Low cost simulators
• Composite materials
• Radar
• Unmanned aerial vehicles, missiles and specialized ordnance

Defense, electronics and aerospace systems and components together are believed to constitute South Africa’s largest single manufactured foreign exchange center.  However, for most high-tech turnkey systems, the industry is still reliant on imports from European suppliers.  As the region’s sole maintenance, repair and overhaul hub, South Africa is also the gateway to the sub-Saharan market for consumables, rotables, spares, and after market technologies relating to commercial and general aviation products.  The mission is strategically scheduled to follow the Second South African International Aerospace Symposium, to be held September 14-16, 2008, in Cape Town ‑ convenient timing for U.S. firms interested in exploring additional opportunities in the region (see http://www.sa-aerospace.co.za/).

Mission Goals:

The goal of the AES at AAD 2008 is to facilitate an effective presence for small to medium-sized U.S. companies without the major expenses associated with purchasing and staffing exhibition space.  The AES will enable U.S. aerospace companies to familiarize themselves with this important trade fair, conduct market research, and explore export opportunities through pre-screened meetings with potential partners, agents, distributors, and end-users.  U.S. delegation members will benefit from an office infrastructure environment and the support of knowledgeable Commercial Service staff focused on furthering company-specific objectives.  The AES will provide access to South Africa and other international markets and business partners in a manner that cannot be matched by simply attending the show as a visitor.

Mission Scenario:

The program will commence September 16 with an early evening briefing covering the regional aerospace and defense market structure and business opportunities.  AES participants will spend September 17-18 at the Ysterplaat Air Force Base in Cape Town, where they will take part in pre-scheduled one-on-one appointments with prospective business clients or partners.  The program will also include an informal networking reception.  Commercial Service staff will be available at AAD 2008 to provide information and assistance through Friday, September 19, 2008, after which the show will be open to the general public.

Aerospace Team members and other Commercial Service trade specialists will recruit and counsel prospective participants.  Companies will be requested to ship their literature and promotional materials to the Commercial Service office in Cape Town.  Exhibition or larger demonstration items will not be permitted.

Proposed Timetable

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Arrive at Cape Town International Airport and transfer to hotel in Cape Town.

5:30 p.m.-6:00p.m.      Welcome / Briefing and overview of AES program at Principal
                                    Commercial Officer’s Residence, Victoria and Alfred Waterfront (TBC)

6:00p.m.–8:00p.m.      Reception at PCO’s Residence (TBC)

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

9:00 a.m.                       Depart for AAD 2008

10:30 noon-5:00 p.m.   One-on-one meetings at AAD 2008

5:30 p.m.                       Return to hotel – free evening

Thursday, September 18, 2008

8:00 a.m.                        Depart for AAD 2008

9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.        One-on-one meetings at AAD 2008

6:00 p.m.                        Return to hotel – free evening

Friday, September 19, 2008

8:00 a.m.                        Depart for AAD 2008

9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.        Follow-up independent meetings, as needed, and time at trade show

6:00 p.m.                        Return to hotel – mission officially ends

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Mission participants travel to Cape Town International Airport for return flight.

Participation Requirements

All parties interested in participating in the AES at AAD must complete and submit an application for consideration by the Department of Commerce.  All applicants will be evaluated on their ability to meet certain conditions and best satisfy the selection criteria as outlined below.  The mission will consist of a minimum of five and a maximum of ten qualified U.S. companies. 

Fees and Expenses:

After a company has been selected to participate on the mission, a payment to the Department of Commerce in the form of a participation fee is required.  The participation fee is $3,200 per company, covering one company representative, and $700 per each additional company representative.  Expenses for travel, including transfers to and from the hotel in Cape Town; lodging, incidentals, and meals will be the responsibility of the mission participants.

Conditions for Participation:

• An applicant must submit a completed and signed mission application and supplemental materials, including adequate information on the company’s products and/or services, primary market objectives, and goals for participation, in order to facilitate appropriate matching with potential business partners.
• Each applicant must certify that the products and services the company seeks to export through the mission are either produced in the United States, or, if not, marketed under the name of a U.S. firm and have at least fifty-one percent U.S. content.
• Each applicant must certify that the export of the products and services it seeks to sell is not prohibited by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security.

Selection Criteria for Participation:

• Acceptability of product area/sector for exhibition at AAD 2008 according to trade fair rules.  Regulation information can be found at the AAD website:  www.aadexpo.co.za.
• Timely receipt of company’s completed application, participation agreement and payment of the participation fee of $3,200 per company, $700 per additional company representative.
• Timely and adequate provision of company and product/service information and literature to enable communication of company’s objectives and scheduling of appointments.

Any partisan political activities of an applicant, including political contributions, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.

Mission recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Commerce Department trade mission calendar –www.ita.doc.gov/doctm/tmcal.html – and other Internet web sites, press releases to the general and trade media, direct mail and broadcast fax, notices by industry trade associations and other multiplier groups, and promotion at industry meetings, symposia, conferences, and trade shows. 

Recruitment will begin immediately and will close Friday, August 25, 2008.  Review and selection of applicants will be conducted on a first come-first served basis.  Applications received after the closing date will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit. 

AES Contact Information:

Aerospace and Defense Team          Stephanie Heckel
                                                         International Trade Specialist
                                                         Ft. Lauderdale U.S. Export Assistance Center
                                                         Phone: 954-356-6640, ext. 20
                                                         Email:  Stephanie.Heckel@mail.doc.gov

U.S. Commercial Service                  Johan van Rensburg
Johannesburg                                    Commercial Specialist - Aerospace
South Africa                                     U.S. Consulate/ U.S. Commercial Service
                                                         Johannesburg, South Africa
                                                         Phone: 27 11-778-4815
                                                         Email:  Johan.van.Rensburg@mail.doc.gov

Literature delivery / AAD 2008        U.S. Consulate General Cape Town
                                                         Jaisvir Sewpaul
                                                         Commercial Specialist
                                                         Phone: 27 21 702-7379
                                                         Fax: 27 21 702-7402
                                                         Email:  Jaisvir.Sewpaul@mail.doc.gov
                                                         2 Reddam Avenue, West Lake
                                                         Cape Town, 7945
                                                         South Africa