Press Release

Issued by France Air Expo.

January 4, 2012

At the sixth Cannes AirShow, which will be held from June 7 to 9, 2012, the only General Aviation Exhibition in France will celebrate the 100th anniversary of Cannes-Mandelieu International Airport. To mark the occasion, several special activities are planned, including a photographic presentation tracing the history of aviation and air shows.

The current airport saw its origins in a major air show which hosted 50,000 spectators and proved to be the launch pad for the development of the airport in June 1911. Following on from this in 1930, Paul Tarascon, the French aviation hero, invested the equivalent of several million euros to build the first airport on the French Riviera.

Cannes-Mandelieu Airport, LFMD, is now the second most frequented business airport in France and among the most frequented in Europe with over 70,000 movements per year.

On this occasion, the event's regular exhibitors have all confirmed their participation. Cessna, Cirrus, Hawker Beechrcaft, Embraer, Pilatus, Mooney, Daher Socata, Tecnam, Bose and many others have chosen to mark the only general aviation event in southern Europe on their calendars.

"There is nearly a 15% increase in participation this year compared to the 2011 show. Despite the economic crisis, the Cannes AirShow remains a 'can't miss' event for general aviation in Southern Europe," said Didier Mary, Director of the event.

This year's show will also see the AOPA and GIPAG with a strong presence as they take advantage of the event to invite their active members. More than 10,000 pilots and 20,000 visitors are expected this year to celebrate the sixth show.