German aerospace industry trade association BDLI is expecting more than 1,000 exhibitors for the Berlin airshow, which takes place at the city’s Schönefeld Airport from May 16 to 21.

ILA 2006 is also set to feature more than 300 aircraft and 80 conferences. BDLI and co-organizers Messe Berlin have already taken the largest number of early bookings since the show returned to the German capital in 1992 in the wake of the country’s post-Cold War reunification, and chalets are nearly sold out.

The German aerospace industry has a strong presence here in Singapore, meanwhile. There are 25 companies on the BDLI’s joint exhibit (Stand A221) and another 14 with their own stands, with support from high-ranking economics ministers and the head of the German air force. And while they are looking to grow their sales–the Asia/Pacific region currently accounts for only 12 percent of the country’s exports, so there is a big potential upside.

BDLI president Thomas Enders said German firms are interested in partnerships as well. He cited the examples of collaboration with China on development of the EC-175 helicopter, and with Korean Aerospace Industries on another helicopter in the seven- to eight-ton class.