AERO 2026 kicks off in a strong market environment with record participation

AERO will take place in a positive market environment. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association 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.

James Viola, GAMA President and CEO stated: “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.” 

Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO at fairnamic GmbH, commented: "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, the Austrian Business Aviation Association, the International Aircraft Dealers Association, the Air Charter Association, and many other partners.