The most exciting event in the aeronautics year is undoubtedly the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. This year looks to be no exception as the European Union has chosen this world-class event as the setting for the inaugural meeting of its new Advisory Council for Aeronautics Research (ACARE).

In 1999, the Paris Air show welcomed over 260,000 visitors, more than half of which consisted of members of the general public. This year, starting on June 17, special features, including a new press centre, a Global Solutions pavilion and increased freedom for exhibitors promise to attract larger-than-ever crowds.

The new ACARE, set up on the recommendation of Commissioner Busquin's Group of Personalities (see the 2020 Vision report), will be introduced at the Air Show on the morning of June 19. It will be composed of 25-30 members, representing stakeholders, Member States and the Commission and its primary task will be to establish and carry forward a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) that will guide the planning of aeronautics research programmes, particularly at national and EU levels.

The 44th Paris Air Show takes place at Le Bourget Airport from June 17 to June 24, with a special preview for the press and professional visitors on June 16.