Records, firsts, growth: AERO 2026 showcases the strength of general aviation

The 32nd edition of AERO has set new records. A total of 860 exhibitors from 50 countries were represented at AERO, more than ever before. Visitor numbers also saw an increase: With around 37,000 visitors from 88 countries over the four days of the show, the figure from the previous year’s event (2025: 32,100) was once again significantly exceeded. The international nature of the participants underscores the global significance of the trade show. It stands at 54 percent for exhibitors and 55 percent for visitors.

Philipp Ferger, CEO of the organizer Fairnamic GmbH, commented: “AERO 2026 was a trade show of records and premieres. AERO’s steady growth in recent years is the result of positive market trends and the AERO team’s customer-focused industry dialogue.”

AERO Show Director Tobias Bretzel stated: “The fact that exhibitors from all segments of general and business aviation are presenting their innovations to trade visitors and the general public for the first time in Friedrichshafen impressively demonstrates the global relevance of this trade show. With over 550 accredited media representatives – half of whom came from abroad – AERO 2026 was also a global media event.”

Business aviation was the industry segment with the highest growth rate this year. The Business Aviation Dome in the Static Display, which had expanded by 50 percent in floor space compared to the previous year, was a visible reflection of this growth. This year, business aviation exhibitors occupied Hall A1, the largest hall at the Friedrichshafen exhibition grounds, as well as Halls A2 and parts of A3. At no other trade show in Europe this year were visitors able to directly compare a larger number of business aircraft than at AERO. The range of aircraft on display spanned from ultra-long-range business jets such as the Bombardier Global 6500 and the Dassault Aviation Falcon 6X, through light jets and single- and twin-engine aircraft with turboprop and piston engines, to LSA and ultralight aircraft and helicopters. Many first-time exhibitors highlighted the close proximity between the static display and the exhibition halls as a positive feature.

Among the firsts at AERO 2026 was the Cessna Citation Ascend midsize business jet from Textron Aviation, which was on display at an airshow outside the United States for the first time. The Cessna SkyCourier, a twin-engine, turboprop-powered multi-purpose aircraft, was also exhibited at an airshow in Europe for the first time. There were also premieres from the French manufacturer Daher Aircraft, which showcased its two single-engine turboprop aircraft, the TBM 980 and Kodiak 900, at a trade show outside the U.S. 

World premieres were unveiled by manufacturer Kaelin Aerospace Technologies with the B-100C, a single-engine, tandem seater training aircraft as well as by Italian manufacturer Promecc Aerospace, which presented its high-speed ultralight aircraft, the Terrone, for the first time. Cirrus Aircraft presented the latest versions of its successful SR piston plane aircraft family as well as the Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet personal jet. All of these aircraft are now equipped with Garmin’s revolutionary Emergency Autoland System, which automatically lands the aircraft at the nearest suitable airfield in an emergency.

Many business deals were also concluded and announced at AERO. The first was by the Hamburg-based executive aviation company Luminair, which announced an order for nine Cessna Citation Latitude business jets in Friedrichshafen during AERO Media Day, the day before the show. The Italian aircraft manufacturer Tecnam presented numerous orders for training aircraft from various flight schools during the show. Other manufacturers also reported sales and concrete appointments for test flights.

AERO is an incubator for the future of aviation. This is evident not only in the many innovations at the show but also in the sustainable aviation projects, which were primarily on display in Hall A7. On the new Innovation Stage in the hall, high-profile speakers presented the status of their projects related to sustainable aviation and exchanged ideas with other industry players.

Visitors were able to learn about fully electric and hybrid aircraft, hydrogen propulsion systems, and projects to upgrade the energy infrastructure at airports. AERO 2026 demonstrated that the aviation of tomorrow is already taking shape today. It will be quiet, feature low-emissions, and will be affordable.

The future of aviation cannot be achieved without qualified personnel. The AERO Career Days on Friday and Saturday (April 24 and 25) brought together young people interested in a career in aviation with potential employers. Presentations on careers in aviation generated a great deal of interest among young visitors and highlighted future opportunities. 

2027 will be a big year for AERO, with four trade shows taking place around the world: It all kicks off with AERO in Friedrichshafen (April 14–17, 2027), followed by AERO South Africa in June 2027 and AERO Asia from November 11–14 in Zhuhai, China. AERO Middle East at Al Thurmamah Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will wrap up the 2027 AERO year from December 7 to 11, 2027.