AERO 2026 is off to a strong start

AERO 2026 is set to open with a record number of exhibitors. Around 860 exhibitors will showcase their aviation-related products and services — more than ever before in the history of the trade show in Friedrichshafen. Manufacturers of aircraft and helicopters for general aviation, business aviation, and recreational aviation are enjoying high delivery volumes and continue to invest in new technologies that make aviation safer, more cost-effective, and more sustainable. Last year, more than 4,150 new aircraft (including helicopters) from the general aviation and business aviation sectors were delivered to customers worldwide. 

Tobias Bretzel, AERO Show Director at Fairnamic GmbH, commented: “The industry’s response to AERO 2026 has been overwhelming! We are delighted with the record number of exhibitors and are working hard to ensure we meet the high expectations of both exhibitors and visitors. AERO has established itself as the leading global trade fair for general aviation, business aviation, and air sports because we have continuously developed it through ongoing dialogue with our customers. This growth is the result of continuous and focussed work.”

The industry has started 2026 with strong momentum. Total industry revenue exceeded the $35 billion mark in 2025, reported Cate Brancart, Director, European Safety & Sustainability Development at the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, during an industry panel at AERO Media Day on the eve of the AERO opening. Revenue generated by aircraft sales alone exceeded 31 billion US dollars.

Cate Brancart discussed the challenges facing the future of aviation with Svenja Wortmann, Managing Director of the business aviation company DC Aviation Group — which is exhibiting at AERO for the second time — as well as with Daniel Günter, COO of Flight Design; Katrin Mayrhofer, COO and co-founder of drone manufacturer ELSA Industry; and Tobias Bretzel, AERO Project Manager. During the media tour on the eve of AERO 2025, media representatives were able to get an exclusive preview of some of the premieres and highlights of the trade show.