Launched in 2020, the Fête de l'Aviation is taking place throughout France, in 30 aerovillages, with the aim of raising awareness of everything to do with air and space activities. It has quickly established itself as an eagerly awaited event for the public, who are attracted by the magic of a sector that awakens in everyone that age old dream of humans: to fly.
For its latest involvement, Cannes Mandelieu airport has brought together nearly 30 partners to offer the largest number of events of any aerovillage taking part in the event.
Throughout the weekend, with Friday 27 reserved for secondary school pupils, young and old alike will be able to discover the various airport and aeronautical jobs, view runway equipment, take the controls of a flight simulator, meet military personnel from the French Air Force, Army and Navy, talk to volunteers from Aviation sans Frontières, trainers of future airline pilots or from the aerobatics club, and members of flying clubs.
The 2023-2024 BIA (Aeronautical Beginners Certificate) graduation ceremony will be organised by the Cannes UACA flying club on Saturday 28 from 10am to 12pm.
The aviation of the future will of course be on show, since one of the objectives of Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur is to be a laboratory and promoter of innovation.
The Pipistrel Velis Electro, on board which Prince Albert II of Monaco made the first 100% electric flight by a head of state, will be on display. Lilium, a partner of Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur in setting up a network of vertiports at key destinations in the region, will be demonstrating the advantages of its Lilium Jet, the first low-noise, all-electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL).
And for those who are passionate about the sector and want to develop their careers, Thales Alenia Space will be presenting its Ingénieurs pour l'Ecole (Engineers for School) scheme.
Nature will also be well represented. The AéroBiodiversité association, which supports initiatives to preserve the flora and fauna of Aéroports de la Côte d'Azur, will have a stand to help visitors discover the rich natural environment of the airports, which is vital for the protecting bees and their pollinating efforts. Les Ruches de Florent will also be offering bee-keeping activities.
The State’s services, essential to airport and aeronautical activities, will be well represented, notably with the Border Police dog squad.
Other events, exhibitions and opportunities to thrill the public will be on offer... as long as you come and take part in this new edition of the Fête de l'Aviation.
