April 21, 2026
- Close to 860 exhibitors from 50 nations
- The number of exhibitors in the business aviation sector is growing at a disproportionately high rate
- Largest AERO static display ever
Friedrichshafen – AERO (April 22–25, 2026) is set to open with a record number of exhibitors. Around 860 exhibitors will showcase their aviation-related products and services — more than ever before in the history of the trade show in Friedrichshafen.
Tobias Bretzel, AERO Show Director at Fairnamic GmbH, says: “The industry’s response to AERO 2026 has been overwhelming! We are delighted with the record number of exhibitors and are working hard to ensure we meet the high expectations of both exhibitors and visitors. AERO has established itself as the leading global trade fair for general aviation, business aviation, and air sports because we have continuously developed it through ongoing dialogue with our customers. This growth is the result of continuous and focussed work.”
Manufacturers of aircraft and helicopters for general aviation, business aviation, and recreational aviation are enjoying high delivery volumes and continue to invest in new technologies that make aviation safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable. Last year, more than 4,150 new aircraft (including helicopters) from the general aviation and business aviation sectors were delivered to customers worldwide.
The industry has started 2026 with strong momentum. Total industry revenue exceeded the $35 billion mark in 2025, reported Cate Brancart, Director, European Safety & Sustainability Development at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), during an industry panel at AERO Media Day on the eve of the AERO opening. Revenue generated by aircraft sales alone exceeded 31 billion US dollars.
Cate Brancart discussed the challenges facing the future of aviation with Svenja Wortmann, Managing Director of the business aviation company DC Aviation Group — which is exhibiting at AERO for the second time — as well as with Daniel Günter, COO of Flight Design; Katrin Mayrhofer, COO and co-founder of drone manufacturer ELSA Industry; and Tobias Bretzel, AERO Project Manager.
During the media tour on the eve of AERO 2025, media representatives were able to get an exclusive preview of some of the premieres and highlights of the trade show.
Please find further information at: https://www.aero-expo.com/trade-show-branches/branches-and-specials/business-aviation
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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.
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