AERO 2026 feels tailwind from positive market environment

• The static display at AERO will be expanded again in 2026
• AERO showcases the entire spectrum of General Aviation
• Career Days offer career prospects for young professionals 

Friedrichshafen – Preparations are in full swing for AERO 2026 (April 22–25, 2026), the leading international trade fair for General Aviation, Business Aviation, and air sports. The trade show is taking place in a positive market environment. According to the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), 4.3 percent more new aircraft were delivered worldwide in the first half of 2025 than in the first six months of the previous year. Manufacturers' billings even rose by 9.9 percent to US$12.3 billion during this period. The industry expects that this year will see as many business jets delivered as last time in 2007.

Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO at fairnamic GmbH, says: „We are delighted with the enormous interest shown by the industry in AERO and are currently recording a significantly higher number of registrations compared to the same period last year at the beginning of October, combined with firm commitments from leading manufacturers. In addition to quantitative growth, it is very important to us to further develop AERO 2026 in terms of quality in the individual industry sectors. Even though growth varies from one sector to another, I would like to emphasize that AERO is and will remain a trade fair for the entire General Aviation!” 

The AERO Business Aviation Show Hub will be bigger in 2026, with exhibitors from the industry also presenting their products and services in Hall A1. The static display will also be expanded. The Business Aviation Dome, which formed the heart of Business Aviation at AERO for the first time last year, will be set up again for the trade fair – with larger dimensions. 

Leading manufacturers and players in Business Aviation such as Bombardier, Textron Aviation, Piper Aircraft, Pilatus Aircraft, Daher Aircraft, Rheinland Air Service (RAS), Platoon Aviation, Jetex, DC Aviation, Atlas Air Service, and many more have already registered as exhibitors. 

Ultralight aircraft manufacturers will once again be exhibiting their fascinating aircraft in large numbers in Halls B1 to B4 in 2026 and meeting with customers. Ultralight aircraft traditionally make up the largest number of aircraft on display, ranging from ultralight replicas of historic types and traditional ultralight aircraft to gyrocopters and ultralight helicopters. Several premieres in this industry segment have been announced for AERO 2026. 

Helicopters are an integral part of AERO, and this will also be the case at AERO 2026, where they will once again occupy the entire Hall B5 – and will also be on display in the outdoor area on the enlarged static display. 

In Hall A7, AERO 2026 visitors will gain an insight into the future of aviation. There, start-ups and established companies will present their innovations, from electric aircraft and hybrid-electric propulsion systems to completely new, groundbreaking concepts. On the new Innovation Stage in Hall A7, high-ranking international industry representatives will report on the status of implementation of these exciting innovations. 

Piston airplanes are the backbone of General Aviation and flight schools that train future pilots. They can be found in Halls A3 and A4 as well as on the static display of AERO 2026. Manufacturers that have already confirmed their participation include Cirrus Aircraft, Textron Aviation, Piper Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft, Tecnam Aircraft, Extra Aircraft, and Elixir Aircraft. 

Aviation offers a wide range of job profiles and excellent career opportunities. The industry is looking for young talent, whether for a career in the cockpit, in maintenance, or with ground-based service providers. At the AERO Career Days on April 24 and 25, 2026, young people can find out about the prospects and get in touch directly with companies looking for new talent. 

Conferences, workshops, lectures, and presentations are another integral part of the trade fair week and sometimes start even before the official opening of the fair. At the AERO General Aviation Academy, pilots can further deepen their knowledge of aviation in a meaningful and time-efficient manner. At the 4th AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit 2026 (April 21 and 22, 2026), renowned experts will discuss the progress and challenges of electric flight and hydrogen-powered flight. Every day, there are more than 50 program topics in the conference and workshop schedule, offering AERO visitors considerable added value. 

At the end of the trade fair, on Saturday, April 25, there will once again be a large air show at noon with an exciting and varied flight program.

Please find further information at: https://www.aero-expo.com/ and https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/aeroshow 

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Contacts for the press:

Frank Gauss, Head of Communications & Press Spokesman
Tel.: +49 7541 708-310
E-Mail: frank.gauss@messe-fn.de

Volker K. Thomalla, Head of Communication Aerospace Portfolio
Tel.: +49 170 4178876
E-Mail: volker.thomalla@fairnamic.com

About AERO: 

AERO 2026 will take place from April 22 - 25, 2026 at the exhibition grounds of Messe Friedrichshafen in Germany. AERO is the leading international trade fair for general aviation, business aviation and air sports. Aircraft ranging from civilian drones to gliders, microlights and gyrocopters, helicopters, touring and training aircraft with piston engines or turboprop engines 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 an important platform for knowledge exchange and further training.

About Fairnamic GmbH: 

With the founding of fairnamic GmbH, the Frankfurt and Friedrichshafen trade fair companies seal a partnership with a focus on innovative mobility. Combined expertise, market knowledge, global positioning, brand strength and speed will strengthen the market position in the future markets of general aviation, micromobility, e-bikes and bicycles. The AERO and Eurobike brands and their satellites form the focus of the joint venture. The aim is to expand and further develop the two leading trade fairs.