April 16, 2024
The AERO aviation trade fair (April 17 - 20, 2024) will be a special show this year, as it is the 30th edition of the world's leading trade fair for general aviation, air sports and business aviation. The number of exhibitors is at a top level with over 680 companies and organizations from 36 countries. Visitors can look forward to many AERO, European and world premieres.
AERO 2024 opens its doors from April 17 to 20. On April 16, the day before the show opening, media representatives were able to get an overview of the highlights of the anniversary trade fair at the AERO Media Day and gain an impression of the current situation and future prospects of general aviation at the industry talk.
Tobias Bretzel, AERO show director at trade fair organizer fairnamic GmbH, says: "Aviation has proven to be extremely resilient in recent years and is currently experiencing an upswing. From this strong position, it is preparing for the challenges of the future by driving forward technologies that enable low-emission or emission-free flying. At the anniversary AERO, exhibitors will be showcasing several aircraft with alternative propulsion systems, some of which are already certified or will be certified in the next few years. Visitors can see these advances for themselves at the AERO. "
Pete Bunce, President and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), said when presenting GAMA’s 2023 Aircraft Shipments and Billings Report: "For the first time in more than a decade, the general aviation manufacturing industry has eclipsed 4,000 aircraft delivered. In addition to this strong showing, there are robust and growing order backlogs for all segments of aircraft. This is a testament to the resilience of our industry and the integral role that general and business aviation plays in our communities. While the deliveries from 2023 are very encouraging, our industry faces headwinds from ongoing supply chain issues, workforce shortages, uncertainty and unpredictability from global regulators, and short-sighted efforts aimed at curbing business and general aviation, particularly in Europe.”
Other participants in the industry talk were Dr. Olaf Heintze, Aeronautics Division Development, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt (DLR), Deniz Weissenborn, CEO and founder of Platoon Aviation and Dr. Frank Liemandt, CEO of the German Helicopter Association (DHV), which was founded in 1959 to promote the use of helicopters. The association is celebrating its 65th anniversary this year and supports all efforts to increase the civil helicopter potential nationally and internationally.
Among the many innovations at the AERO is the fully electric powered eDA40 from Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH from Wiener Neustadt, Austria. It is a further development of the existing and certified DA40 series and is intended to be the most environmentally friendly way to learn to fly in the future. According to the manufacturer, it will be the first EASA/FAA CS/Part 23 certified electric aircraft in its category. With its fast DC charging, which enables short charging times, the eDA40 is an exceptionally sustainable aircraft for the flight school market of tomorrow. The targeted endurance is 1.2 hours, the payload is 397 lbs and the range is 117 nautical miles (216 kilometers).
Junkers Aircraft is presenting its latest model, the Junkers A50 Heritage ultralight aircraft, at the anniversary AERO. It is an ultralight aircraft that has been reconstructed true to the original design from the 1920s. In contrast to the Junkers A50 Junior, the Junkers A50 Heritage is equipped with a 7-cylinder radial engine (Verner Scarlett 7U / 124 hp) which, together with an MT wooden propeller and analog instruments, offers an even more authentic flying experience.
Other product premieres include: The Belgian-Czech manufacturer JMB Aircraft will be showing its new Phoenix motor glider for the first time at an aviation trade fair, the Chinese manufacturer Ruien Aircraft Industry, Co. Ltd. its RX-1E-S electric aircraft, Aura Aero from France the Integral E electric aircraft and Piper Aircraft their new flagship, the Piper M700 FURY single-engine turboprop aircraft, which was certified by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) just a few weeks ago.
Exhibitors will also be showcasing innovations in accessories and flight-related systems. For example, the manufacturer Shark.Aero from the Czech Republic will be presenting the "Turbulence Cancelling System" for the first time to reduce gusts for greater passenger comfort and safety in a light aircraft.
AERO is an important communication and information platform for the industry. An extensive conference program with over 270 lectures, presentations and panel discussions offers AERO visitors the opportunity to find out about and exchange information on the latest trends and developments. The AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit on April 16 and 17 will take place for the second time as part of AERO. Pratt & Whitney Canada is organizing its PT6A Customer Connect Event in Friedrichshafen for the first time.
Since its first edition 47 years ago, AERO has always adapted to the needs of the industry and its visitors. This is part of its recipe for success. From its beginnings with 14 exhibitors, it has developed into a globally significant brand in the industry. In addition to AERO in Friedrichshafen, AERO organizer fairnamic GmbH also organizes AERO South Africa in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt South Africa, AERO Asia in China and – for the first time on 31 August and 1 September 2024 – the AERO Fly-In at the Aalen-Elchingen airfield under the motto "Future Meets History".