The Japan Aerospace 2004 show (to be held October 6-10) is
moving into high gear, with a 10 to 20% increase in exhibitors (320
to 350 exhibitors are expected, 85 foreign), compared with the previous
event. It has been moved from Tokyo to Pacifico National Convention
Center in Yokohama, where a flight display will be held at the adjacent
heliport and over the nearby waterfront, including flight demonstrations
of the HU-1 KAI seaplane. According to Tetsuo Kikuta, marketing
director of the exhibition, the growth of the Japan air show is
attributed to the steady growth of the local aerospace industry,
in contrast to the decline of other industrial sectors. The Japanese
industry is seeking to expand its international sourcing with competitively
priced subcontractors to offset domestic labor costs. International
interest in the Japanese market is also expected in response to
government investments in R&D programs, including midsize passenger
jet and UAV programs. Details at www.aero-space.jp
