February 24, 2026
- The industry achieves record revenues worldwide
- Over 850 business jets were delivered in 2025
- Innovations drive demand
Friedrichshafen, Germany – AERO (April 22–25, 2026), the leading international tradeshow for general aviation, business aviation, and air sports, will take place in a positive market environment. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), which represents the vast majority of general aviation aircraft manufacturers, has now published its production and sales figures for the past year. According to these figures, a total of 3,230 new aircraft and 938 new civil helicopters were delivered to customers worldwide in 2025. This represents an increase of 2.2 percent for aircraft and a slight decline of 1.9 percent for helicopters compared to 2024. Aircraft manufacturers reported a 16.1 percent jump in sales to a total of US$31 billion, while helicopter manufacturers reported a 5.5 percent increase in sales to US$4.7 billion despite lower deliveries.
“The state of the general aviation manufacturing industry remains steadfast. We continue to see robust numbers of total aircraft delivered as well as annual billings eclipsing $35 billion, the highest it has ever been. While some segments are seeing marginal declines in deliveries, they are all still above 2019 levels. As manufacturers work hard to meet the challenges and demand of today, they remain focused on advancing safety and innovation for the future of the entire aviation industry,” said James Viola, GAMA President and CEO.
Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO at fairnamic GmbH, said: "The positive mood in the industry is also reflected in the bookings for AERO 2026. We currently have more than 25 percent more exhibitors registered than we did at the same point in time for 2025. All major manufacturers of general aviation aircraft, including Textron Aviation, Cirrus Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft, Piper Aircraft, Tecnam, Elixir Aircraft, Robin Aircraft, and others, will be showcasing their products at AERO, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of the current range of products on offer. Many manufacturers will be presenting world, European, and AERO premieres at AERO."
Business aviation will be represented at AERO this year on a scale never seen before. The AERO Business Aviation Show Hub, with the modern, spectacular Business Aviation Dome at its heart, will be enlarged compared to last year due to high demand. In addition to Halls A2 and A3, Business Aviation companies will for the first time also showcase their products and services in Hall A1. The exhibition will be further complemented by joint stands hosted by national and international associations, including the German Business Aviation Association (GBAA), the Austrian Business Aviation Association (ABAA), the International Aircraft Dealers Association (IADA), the Air Charter Association (ACA), and many other partners.
AERO visitors can already order their admission tickets for the tradeshow online on the AERO website.
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.
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