The future of aviation is sustainable

Aviation industry has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. In order to achieve this ambitious, but undisputed goal, major technological and financial challenges must be overcome. At AERO 2025, researchers, developers, manufacturers and service providers will be showcasing their solutions and innovations to make sustainable aviation a reality. Over 130 companies are taking part in this year's Sustainable Aviation Trail, a route through the AERO where exhibitors who are working on sustainable projects or already offer such products are taking part - more than ever before. They are identified by green balloons on their stands.

Tobias Bretzel, AERO Show Director at fairnamic GmbH, commented: „The topic of sustainability is deeply rooted in the industry, as ecology and economy go hand in hand. Aircraft fleet consumption is significantly lower today than it was a decade ago. Fuel that can be saved through more efficient operating procedures or greater aerodynamic efficiency does not have to be purchased. We are delighted to once again be making a contribution to the development of green aviation with AERO 2025.“

General Aviation is an important pillar for the development of innovative and sustainable technologies in aviation. It often serves as an incubator for innovations, as General Aviation aircraft can be used to test new technologies quickly and cost-effectively in flight operations before they find their way into larger aircraft. This is why AERO, which covers a wide range of aviation – from ultralight aircraft to classic training and touring aircraft and ultra-long-range business jets – is an ideal communication and information platform for the entire industry.

The e-flight-expo at the AERO has been around since 2009 and will take place this year from April 9 to 12 as part of the AERO, highlighting all aspects of electric flight. Electric flying has already come a long way, and there are already two certified purely electrically powered aircraft in the world. At the e-flight Airshow on April 10 from around 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., various electric aircraft will be seen - but not heard - in the skies above Friedrichshafen Airport.

An extensive conference and lecture program has complemented AERO for years and enables an intensive exchange of ideas. The 3rd Hydrogen and Battery Summit in Friedrichshafen, an important international summit on the sustainable future of aviation, begins the day before AERO. At the Hydrogen and Battery Summit (8 and 9 April 2025), renowned experts from universities, research laboratories and development centers will present their projects and discuss innovative solutions for the challenges on the way to climate-neutral flying.

There are various approaches as to how climate-neutral flying can be realized, for example battery-powered electric flight, hydrogen fuel cell systems, hybrid drives, new fuels, but it is not yet clear which of the solutions or which combination of solutions will ultimately prevail. The road to climate-neutral flying is not straight and not smooth. This is also demonstrated by the recently declared bankruptcies of several players in this segment of aviation. 

AERO 2025 will once again feature a number of world premieres, particularly in the field of green aviation. The future of aviation is sustainable, and visitors to AERO 2025 can experience it.