Dear Ladies and Gentlemen,

   Welcome to the ninth International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS 2009 that will be held in August 18 – 23 at the ROSSIYA Transport and Exhibition Complex in Zhukovsky, Moscow region.

   According to the Decree of February 20, 2008, issued by the President of Russia our country is to make a nationwide challenge in aviation and space industry by creating a National Aircraft Manufacturing Center headed by the United Aircraft Corporation in Zhukovsky as a part of the whole programme. This will create conditions for closer cooperation and integration in the aviation industry, science and education. It is also aimed at facilitating cooperation with foreign partners and promoting of mutually beneficial projects with our international partners.

   The existing facilities that hosted MAKS will be developed into the state-of-art exhibition center in framework of the ROSSIYA Transport and Exhibition Complex. Next decade Zhukovsky city will also improve its infrastructure including the highway and hotels.

   MAKS 2007 has proved its place among the leading world aerospace exhibitions. Seven hundred and eighty seven exhibitors from 39 countries, 279 aircraft at the static display, 328 performed flights, 4 scientific conferences, numerous presentations and symposia – all these have attracted to MAKS 2007 more than 725 000 visitors including 127000 business visitors and 3600 mass-media representatives.

   We highly appreciate your future contribution into the international cooperation with Russian companies and hope on your support of MAKS 2009.

   Sincerely,