The AERO 2026 reaches a new record altitude

• Nearly 860 exhibitors from 50 nations
• 95,000 m2 (1,022,571 sqft) gross area
• AERO showcases the full spectrum of general aviation, from ultralight aircraft to long-range business jets

Friedrichshafen – AERO 2026 (April 22–25) has opened. The 32nd edition of the world’s leading trade fair for general aviation, air sports, and business aviation covers the entire showgrounds and hits a new height. Around 860 exhibitors from 50 countries await visitors over the four days of the show. That’s about 100 more exhibitors than last year, which already saw a record-breaking AERO.

Tobias Bretzel, AERO Show Director at Fairnamic GmbH, says: “Business aviation, with its dynamism, is driving AERO’s strong growth. However, one of AERO’s key strengths lies in showcasing the full spectrum of general aviation and air sports. Visitors can see this for themselves in the static display and across the twelve exhibition halls.”

At AERO 2026, exhibitors will showcase a record number of novelties, ranging from new aircraft models and systems to new accessories. During the AERO Media Tour held the day before AERO 2026, media representatives were able to get an exclusive preview of some of the show’s premieres and highlights. 

One of the stops on the tour was Volocopter. The company is exhibiting Europe’s first eVTOL, which, as an EASA-certified air taxi, is set to transport passengers in major cities starting in 2027. With more than 2,500 successful unmanned and piloted test flights worldwide, Volocopter is currently the first and only eVTOL company in Europe to have reached this stage of development.

Lico Stahl- und Kunststofftechnik GmbH from Unterhaching, Germany, is presenting a true innovation in the field of ground handling for the first time worldwide with the HANGARTAXI: an omnidirectional, electrically powered transport system for helicopters with skid landing gear. The system was developed specifically for use in confined hangar environments and enables the precise, safe, and efficient movement of helicopters—even in the tightest of spaces.

Evocopter GmbH is also unveiling a true world premiere: AERO 2026 marks the first public appearance of the Evocopter ClassiX ultralight helicopter. The ClassiX is a completely newly developed ultralight helicopter that achieved German type certification through the German Ultralight Aviation Association (DULV) in a record time of just five years.

The ClassiX is the only helicopter in its class to feature the Lycoming O-360 engine. Evocopter has optimized the Lycoming with an electronic dual ignition system, a lightweight starter, and a lightweight generator. It is constructed almost entirely of high-strength carbon fiber. The numerous load tests required for certification—conducted under limit, safety, and ultimate-load conditions—have demonstrated the airframe’s exceptional stability. 

Kaelin Aero Technologies GmbH is also presenting a world premiere with the B-100C—a basic trainer that is more than just an ultralight aircraft. The B-100C is designed as a training aircraft that accompanies pilots from a structured introduction to training through to demanding training profiles. Its performance, design, and interior convey the feel of a super sports car—focused, high-quality, and uncompromisingly designed for dynamics, precision, and the flying experience. With the further development of the MOSAIC regulations, an initial application range up to 780 kg MTOW is opening up, and in the future even in a weight segment well above one ton. 

No other trade show in Europe this year will feature more business aircraft than AERO 2026 in Friedrichshafen. Business Aviation has its own exhibition area with an innovative event concept that offers high-quality networking, short distances, and attractive conditions. In addition to two exhibition halls (A2 and A3), the enlarged, spectacular Business Aviation Dome will once again form the centerpiece of this industry segment. 

Aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace presents the “Next Era” concept for the first time as part of the company’s development strategy, in which not only the latest version of the successful P.180 Avanti family—the Avanti Next—is set to lead the company into the future, but customer service is also at the center of this new chapter. 

Daher Aircraft and Rheinland Air Service (RAS) are showcasing two firsts: for the first time outside the United States, they are exhibiting the two single-engine turboprop aircraft, the TBM 980 and the Kodiak 900, at a trade show. Daher Aircraft unveiled the TBM 980 to the public in January of this year as the newest member of its successful TBM aircraft family.

Daher Aircraft had introduced the robust high-wing Kodiak 900 as an extended version of the Kodiak 100 in the summer of 2022. The fuselage is 1.10 meters longer than that of the Kodiak 100. But the new version not only offers its users more space, but also better flight performance thanks to the more powerful PT6A-140A turboprop engine. The Kodiak 900’s maximum cruise speed is 210 knots (True Air Speed), compared to 174 knots for the Kodiak 100.  The EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) had already certified the model in the spring of 2023.

JUNKERS Aircraft is celebrating a special milestone at AERO: On AERO Media Day, the DULV (German Ultralight Aircraft Association) will present the manufacturer with the type certificate for its latest model, the JUNKERS A60. 

In addition, JUNKERS is also exhibiting the JUNKERS A50 Junior at AERO, a 600-kg ultralight aircraft inspired by the historic 1929 model, which combines classic design with the latest technology. With the JUNKERS A50 Heritage, the company from Oberndorf-Hochmössingen, Germany, is presenting a reconstruction of the historic 1920s model that closely follows the original. Unlike the A50 Junior, the Heritage version features a seven-cylinder radial engine (Verner Scarlett 7U, 124 hp/91.2 kW). Combined with a wooden propeller and analog round instruments, it offers an authentic retro flying experience. 

This year, the Cessna Citation Longitude and Cessna Citation Ascend are making their AERO Friedrichshafen show debut alongside a legendary lineup of Cessna, Beechcraft and Pipistrel aircraft. It also marks the European show debut for the Citation Ascend.

In addition to the Citation Longitude and Citation Ascend, the following aircraft are expected to be on display at the Textron Aviation static display at Messe Friedrichshafen: Cessna Citation M2 Gen2 with Garmin Autothrottles, Beechcraft King Air 260, Cessna Grand Caravan EX with a new Saddle Sport executive interior scheme and a McCauley propeller, Cessna Turbo Stationair HD with a McCauley propeller and a Pipistrel Virus SW.

Textron Aviation holds a strong position in business and general aviation in Germany and the surrounding area, with more than 1,700 turbine aircraft in region. More than 850 Cessna Citation business jets, 450 Beechcraft King Air turboprops and 175 Cessna Caravan turboprops are based in Europe.

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.