Hydroaviasalon is organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation (Minpromtorg). The inaugural event was held in 1996 under the name Gelendzhik-96. It featured 82 exhibitors from 15 countries, and attracted over 100,000 attendees, including 2,000 industry specialists and 120 journalists. The first scientific conference on hydroaviation had 100 participants from 26 organizations.
The first exhibition was a success, so it was decided to hold it regularly. The event received its current name, Hydroaviasalon, in 2000. Since its inception, it has become one of the leading air shows in Russia. The organizers claim that it is the world’s only air show that focuses exclusively on hydroaviation.
Hydroaviasalon showcases seaplanes and amphibious aircraft, ship-based aircraft, search-and-rescue aviation, firefighting aviation, missiles and sea-based spaced systems, sea ecological monitoring aviation, small ships and yachts, navigation equipment, and more. In addition to Russian manufacturers, such as the Beriev Airctaft Company (that is one of the event’s co-organizers), it features exhibitors from Ukraine, Germany, the United States, China, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Israel, Lithuania, and other countries.
The programming of Hydroaviasalon includes aircraft displays, presentations, competitions and championships, special events for children and youth, and spectacular aerobatics demonstrations. One of the exhibition’s most exciting initiatives is Aviation of the Future, a special platform designed to showcase the projects of talented high school, university and graduate students, as well as young engineers.
The business program of Hydroaviasalon includes a scientific conference on hydroaviation, round tables, panel discussions, presentations, and more. Its main goals are to facilitate the development of hydroaviation in Russia, as well as to help the participants forge new business connections.
Photo: Vladimir Yakubovskiy
