The air show MAKS is an international air show, where not only the aircrafts but the weapon systems and space vehicles are demonstrated. The show includes the demonstration of aircrafts on static displays, flight demonstrations of the aircrafts, and demonstration flights of the aerobatic teams. Moreover, MAKS provides a special program for the businessmen and symposia and conferences as well. The air show takes place in the town of Zhukowski (Moscow Region), a capital of the Russian aeronautics, in the end of summer. Some of the technique units can be seen only there, because the demonstration of them abroad is impossible for some reasons.

MAKS demonstrates its visitors the air and space craft all types and functions, state-of-the-art developments in the field of aeronautics and know-how of the Russian and foreign military hardware. As an entertainment event, MAKS offers its guests demonstration flights, carried out by the tests pilots and air display teams from Russia and other countries, participating in MAKS. Among the teams of the Russian Air Force are the famous Russian Knights and Strizhi (the Swifts). The leading foreign air display teams are the special guests of MAKS.

The visitors can look at the stunts sitting in the outdoor café or directly from the grass. The visitors may sit in the cabin of the fighter jet and make photos of themselves on the stairway of the ultramodern liner or near the retro double-decker. The different souvenirs and animation program with a concert after the flights are provided as well.

As to the business visitors, numerous conferences, seminars competitions and roundtable discussions are provided for them by the organizers. An ambitious program for the business visitors is one of the particular qualities of the MAKS. The leading Russian and foreign scientists, engineers and aircraft designer usually take part in this program. The coverage of the events of the business program are carried out by the Russian and foreign media agencies.

The tickets for the event can be bought on-line. The references to the resources where the tickets for this event can be booked and bought are placed on the official web-site of the air show. The information, how to get there with different means of transport and some details for the visitors, coming by car is also provided there.

The carrying out of the drawcard of the program of MAKS 2009, demonstration flights of the Russian air display teams the Russian Knights and Strizhi turned out to be questionable. A tragedy happened during the dress rehearsal of the demonstration flight of the Russian knights. The aircrafts collided, and the team leader colonel Igor Tkachenko died. Two other pilots were seriously injured. The MAKS 2009 began with one minute's silence in remembrance of him because of that.

In spite of the global economic crisis, the air show taking place on the August, 18 - 23, 2009 seems to proceed successfully. The first day of the MAKS was marked with a large deal between the Aeroflot Air Company and the Sukhoi aviation holding. The participants have pointed on the considerable negative moment: taking part in the MAKS becomes more and more expensive.

Source:
    www.aviasalon.com, www.rian.ru

Yulia Buzykina