19-21 March 2015
The AeroExpo in Toluca is the Central American equivalent of the NBAA or EBACE. The first day is trade only and includes social events for customers and clients with a chance to network with manufacturers and operators; many of whom have hangars and/or FBOs at Toluca; the primary business airfield for the region.
Day two is similar but hosts many young adults keen to learn about career opportunities and day three is for the general public. The static display concentrates on executive aircraft, helicopters and general aviation plus a token military presence that certainly adds to the event. There is no formal flying display though, on day one, the air force team of six PC-7 trainers made some high level passes.
Any flying is difficult to programme as there is a constant flow of executive movements as well as the scheduled operations of Interjet with Airbus 320s and Superjet Su-95s. The AeroExpo area fronted the active taxiway allowing close observation of this passing traffic. Quite a bonus for locals and visitors as Toluca has something of a reputation for restricting viewing to protect client confidentiality and business information. No doubt this facility helps local acceptance of the considerable commercial benefit the airport brings to the City of Toluca.
All the major business aircraft manufacturers were present though the new Gulfstream 650 was the largest exhibit. for keen photographers there were rather too many bright traffic cones serving little purpose as there was sufficient clearance between parked aeroplanes.
It was interesting to see some of the older types of business jets in use, particularly Rockwell Sabres and early Learjets. Clearly there are some excellent maintenance facilities at Toluca to handle these second and often third hand aircraft in a safe manner.
With a free shuttle to the show from the impressive terminal complex visitors were made very welcome to this regional showcase.
