AERO (April 27-30, 2022) is once again pioneering innovations that are shaping the future of General Aviation to a large and knowledgeable audience. Electric flight, sustainable fuels, digital systems to support pilots, and many other innovations will be a focus of the show, underscoring that the fascination of aviation continues unabated.

Despite the major challenges it faces, General Aviation is showing great resilience and is taking a proactive approach to its future. Visitors to the AERO trade show (April 27-30, 2022) in Friedrichshafen will be able to get a comprehensive picture of this. General Aviation flight activity has recovered significantly worldwide, and airplane sales are aiming to return to pre-crisis levels. This is reflected in the figures released by the international industry association GAMA (General Aviation Manufacturers Association) for the first three quarters of 2021, with 1,690 aircraft delivered, 10.2 percent more than in the same period of 2020 and almost as many as in the first nine months of 2019.

Attendees of AERO 2022 can look forward to a wide range of exhibitors from all segments of General Aviation, from drones to gliders, air taxis, microlights and gyrocopters, helicopters, touring and training aircraft with piston engines or turboprop engines, and business jets. The level of registrations from companies, service providers and organizations are higher than at the comparable time for the record-breaking AERO in 2019. Aircraft manufacturers that have already confirmed their participation in AERO 2022 include Textron Aviation, Cirrus Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft Industries, Tecnam, Piper Aircraft, Pipistrel Aircraft, Rolls-Royce, and Flight Design.

Tobias Bretzel AERO Project Manager explains: "The topic of sustainability in aviation will play a central role at the upcoming AERO. On the one hand, as part of the e-flight-expo in Hall A7, which has been supporting the industry's efforts in innovations for more sustainability for over ten years. On the other hand, there will be the so-called AERO Sustainable Aviation Trail for the first time. Under this we would like to unite and highlight all exhibitors, partners as well as conference topics that will present products, services, or content on the topic of sustainable aviation on site next year. This includes suppliers of electric aircraft that are not placed in Hall A7 but traditionally have their main booth in other halls, such as Pipistrel, as well as suppliers of SAF and PtL, and many others."

Currently, many companies are researching and developing electrically or hybrid-electrically powered aircraft with the aim of making aviation climate-neutral with this propulsion technology. Rolls-Royce, together with project partners, demonstrated the performance capabilities of electrically powered aircraft as recently as November, when its all-electric "Spirit of Innovation" electric aircraft reached a speed of over 555 km/h in the UK.

In 2022, AERO is pioneering the topic of maintenance for alternative propulsion systems. Safety is the top priority in aviation, so the question of maintenance must be clarified before new types of propulsion are used across the board. However, not only electric engine systems, but also new, alternative fuels such as sustainable aviation fuel and PtL (power-to-liquid) can also lead to greater sustainability in aviation.

In the context of AERO 2022, visitors are to get their own impression of the future of aviation. The trade show is aiming for a flight demonstration of aircraft with alternative propulsion systems. AERO Division Manager Roland Bosch and Project Manager Tobias Bretzel report: "We are pleased to be able to offer the industry a great platform with the AERO, where all stakeholders, users, manufacturers and authorities meet to discuss and shape the future of aviation. Many questions about this are still open, but they can only be solved in face-to-face discussions." Tobias Bretzel emphasizes, "The bookings show how much people are looking forward to meeting in person again to find out about innovations, exchange information and initiate business."

About the event:

AERO 2022 will take place from April 27 - 30, 2022 at the Messe Friedrichshafen exhibition center. AERO is the leading international trade show for General Aviation, business aviation and air sports. Aircraft ranging from civilian drones to gliders, ultralights and gyrocopters, helicopters, touring and training aircraft with piston engines or propeller turbines, and business jets will be on display. New propulsion systems, electric flight, state-of-the-art avionics, services, and accessories for pilots are further focal points. These topics are also reflected in the AERO Conferences, making Europe's largest General Aviation event also an important platform for knowledge exchange and continuing education.

For further information, visit www.aero-expo.com and https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/aeroshow.