[Event Report] Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2024
Japan leads the aerospace industry to new horizons

The Japan International Aerospace Exhibition 2024, the largest aerospace event in Japan, was held at Tokyo Big Sight, Tokyo from October 16 to 18, 2024. Over 600 aerospace companies from Europe, the United States, and Asia participated.

As global demand for transportation and logistics expands, aerospace technology and systems remain essential, including their role in emergency response during disasters and environmental initiatives such as carbon neutrality.

Recently, aerospace development has been shifting from the public to private sector worldwide, and the industry is accelerating rapidly. As proof of this, the exhibition in 2024 had over 100 more participants than the last time it was hosted. At this key event, we explored how global partners are tapping into Japan's advanced aerospace industry to gain market entry.

What makes Japan a special destination for companies investing in the future of the aerospace industry? We spoke with Frank Ehlermann, CEO of PACE, a leading provider of pioneering aerospace and aviation software in Germany, about Japan's industry reputability and technological capacity.

Aerospace programs require steadfast dedication across very long lead times, and Japanese companies are recognized globally for navigating these projects successfully. Ehlermann elaborates, "Japan has strong partnerships in Europe and North America, and they actually motivate us to be more active. We're forging long-lasting bonds in Japan that will create a more resilient aerospace industry moving forward."

He continues, "Japan is a global market leader in many industries, including high-speed train transportation, car manufacturing, pharmaceutical development and more. Our trust in Japanese companies is rooted in the fact that collaboration between Germany and Japan goes beyond the aerospace market."

Currently in 2024, Japan's aerospace industry is reported to be worth approximately 28 billion USD (4 trillion JPY)*1, and the Japanese government is aiming to double the industry to 56 billion USD (8 trillion JPY) by the early 2030s. Against this business environment, they are actively promoting collaboration and industry cooperation both domestically and abroad.

Dominic Weeks, Head of External Affairs & Marketing at ZeroAvia, a developer of revolutionary hydrogen-electric powertrains for commercial aviation, details, "Many clean aviation and hydrogen-focused companies developing emission-reducing solutions are inspired by the support the Japanese government is providing to aerospace companies. This level of support is crucial in taking the global industry to new horizons."

Japan offers many opportunities for growth in the aerospace industry, thanks to cutting-edge technology and government support fine-tuned to the changes of each era. Please get in touch if you're considering market entry in Japan's aerospace industry or looking to collaborate with Japanese companies.

Find out more about JETRO’s Support