AERO 2025 - the best AERO ever

The 31st edition of the trade fair – impressively demonstrated its position as the leading global trade fair for general aviation, air sports and business aviation. 760 exhibitors from 38 nations showcased a total of 328 aircraft (2024: 270), ranging from drones to gliders, microlights, single- and twin-engine piston aircraft, helicopters and ultra long-range jets. Never before have more aircraft been on display at an AERO. Many exhibits were on display at a trade fair for the first time. 32,100 visitors (2024: 31,500) from more than 80 nations traveled to Lake Constance for the GA Summit. Business aviation was particularly strong in Friedrichshafen this year: the largest line-up of business aircraft at a trade fair in Europe this year was on display at AERO. The Business Aviation Dome in the static display – a 2000 square meter transparent hangar – impressed exhibitors and visitors alike.

Stefan Reisinger, CEO of organizer fairnamic GmbH, commented: “AERO 2025 was a precision landing. We have been able to expand our expertise and relevance. The new trade fair concept with the Business Aviation Show Hub has been a stunning success.”

AERO show director Tobias Bretzel stated: “AERO 2025 met all expectations and exceeded many. The exhibitors presented a large number of innovations and premieres and reported strong business deals. The mood in the industry and among the audience was excellent. Without exaggerating, I can say that this was the best AERO ever, and the great result is spurring us to take AERO 2026 to the next level. To this end, we will integrate further parts of the adjacent airport area into the trade show.

The large number of innovations and premieres in all areas underline the importance of AERO as a global showcase for aviation. Among the world premieres at AERO this year was the Chinese electric aircraft RX4E, the world's first four-seater electric aircraft to receive its certification in December 2024. It was shown in the static display at AERO and flight at the e-Flight Airshow. The Pilatus PC-12 PRO single-engine turboprop aircraft also celebrated its global trade fair premiere at AERO. The Swiss Smartflyer electric aircraft project, whose prototype only celebrated its roll-out in November 2024.

The AERO is a trade fair of innovations. In Friedrichshafen, the public can experience the future of aviation. Hydrogen fuel cell drives, electric drives, and hybrid-electric drives: innovative start-ups, research institutions, universities and established manufacturers showcased their projects and programs over the four days of the trade fair, which will make aviation even safer and more sustainable. General Aviation is invaluable as an incubator for new and innovative aviation technologies.

The single and twin-engine piston aircraft form the backbone of general aviation and the AERO. Commercial aircraft pilots also learn to fly on them, and they are used for business and private travel and other purposes. The wide range of models in these categories was also reflected at AERO, as all major manufacturers from this segment were once again represented at AERO. Of the more than 21,400 aircraft registered in Germany alone (as of 31.12.2024), over 7,200 were registered in the single and twin-engine classes and almost 7,000 as gliders.

The Zeppelin CAT Hall A1 is the largest hall at the Friedrichshafen Exhibition Center. It is traditionally dedicated to sailplanes at the AERO. Manufacturers and service providers use the AERO to present their products and services to an international audience.

The ultralight industry is colorful and innovative. This was demonstrated once again this year, as it was represented at AERO in large numbers and with many new products - from new aircraft to new propulsion systems. 

The Heli-Hangar in Hall B5 has become a popular meeting place for the rotorcraft industry. With 30 helicopters, more helicopters were on display in Friedrichshafen than ever before at an AERO, including the H160 from Airbus Helicopters, the Bell 505 and Bell 407GXi, Robinson R44 and R66 and Guimbal Cabri G2. 

Aviation offers young people jobs with a perspective, not only as pilots in the cockpit, but also in maintenance, software engineering or service providers. The demand for qualified young talent is high. At the AERO Career Days job fair on April 11 and 12, 2025, more than 30 companies presented their training occupations and job offers. With the Career Days, AERO is making a contribution to reducing the shortage of skilled workers in aviation.