Introduction

AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 marks a significant event for business aviation, presenting its most comprehensive platform to date. From April 22nd, the trade fair opens its doors to industry professionals from around the world, offering a diverse range of aeronautical innovations, new collaborations, and discussion forums. The participation of international business aviation associations from Asia, Germany, Austria, and the Middle East underscores the event’s global importance. Alongside the aircraft exhibition, the focus will be on educational programs and expert panels addressing current challenges and future prospects for the industry.

Enhanced aircraft presentation and innovations

A key new feature of the event is the expansion of the aircraft on display. This year, around 50 aircraft from the business aviation segment will be showcased on the static display and in the halls, a significant increase compared to last year’s 30. This range includes both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, reflecting the diversity and technological advancements within the industry. Among the notable exhibits is the Textron Citation Ascend, currently on a European tour, which sets new standards as a mid-size model. The super-midsize Longitude, Dassault’s Falcon 6X, and Bombardier’s Global 6500 are also being presented as high-performance jets that impress with their efficiency and comfort.

In the turboprop segment, Daher’s new TBM 980 and the Kodiak 900 are particularly noteworthy, combining modern technology with reliable performance. The return of the Piaggio P.180 Avanti Evo brings additional dynamism to the light high-speed aircraft segment. Cirrus completes the aircraft lineup with its latest Vision Jet Series 3, which impresses with its innovative design and flexible operational capabilities.

Another focus of the trade fair is on future-oriented mobility. The Innovation Area in Hall A7 will feature Volocopter for the first time, a company that recently became part of Diamond Aircraft. The VoloXPro, an ultralight solution for vertical mobility, will be presented there as a prototype, opening up new perspectives for urban air mobility. Diamond itself will be showcasing three world premieres, demonstrating how traditional aircraft manufacturers are adapting to digital transformation and sustainable technologies. Also new is the German-made EvoCopter ClassiX ultralight helicopter, which impresses with innovations in user-friendliness and safety management.

Expansion of the Business Aviation Show Hub and partnerships

Given its success last year, the Business Aviation Show Hub has been significantly expanded. The static display area has been enlarged to showcase more and a wider variety of aircraft, resulting in full stand bookings by the end of March. Furthermore, the number of exhibitors in the Dome has been doubled, and Hall A1, added in 2024, provides an additional hall specifically for new exhibitors in the business aviation segment. First-time participants include renowned companies such as JetEx, ViaSat, UAS, Hadid, Flight Safety International, CAE, and the digitally focused Web Manuals. CAE is presenting a Diamond 42, a model equally suited for training and business operations.

The International Aircraft Dealers’ Association (IADA) is bringing its own members’ pavilion to the trade show, fostering networking and exchange within the aircraft trade. In partnership with GlobalAir.com, a pre-owned area has also been established to facilitate the purchase of used business jets. Interested parties can utilize a dedicated VIP entrance for a more comfortable arrival. Furthermore, the event offers the opportunity to apply for a landing slot, which is particularly relevant for pilots and aircraft owners who wish to fly directly to the show.

Discussions, educational opportunities and new formats

The cooperation with The Air Charter Association and the integration of the European Regional Forum broaden the thematic scope of AERO. At its core are three panels addressing the field of air charter, the prevention of illegal charter flights, and the value creation through charter brokers. Renowned experts and industry leaders will engage in practical and lively discussions, providing participants with in-depth insights into regulatory challenges and market mechanisms.

Those interested have the opportunity to complete the “Air Charter Essentials Certificate” course the day before the trade fair, which serves as a basic introduction to the charter industry. The demand for well-trained charter brokers is growing in light of the dynamic market development, both regionally and globally.

On April 23, Corporate Jet Investor will conclude its exploration of the economic aspects of business aviation with two panels on aircraft ownership and the aircraft acquisition process. In addition, industry representatives will discuss global challenges and bottlenecks impacting the development and growth of business aviation in separate panel discussions. These events will contribute to identifying potential obstacles and developing innovative solutions.

A particular highlight this year is the “Women in Aviation International” brunch. With high-profile speakers, this initiative promotes the visibility and exchange of women in aviation, making an important contribution to diversity and the development of talent.

Technological impulses and media partnerships

The Dome Stage will host the presentation of the TAB initiative (Technology Aviation Business) on April 22nd, showcasing new development paths in aviation technology. This program item highlights the importance of innovation as a growth driver and catalyst for the entire industry.

The reach and quality of the coverage will be enhanced through the collaboration with the Aviation Week Network as a new media partner. The focus will be on innovation and digital transformation, which will also be addressed within the AERO Innovation Stage. FlightGlobal is once again supporting the event as an official showcase sponsor and will ensure that all participants have access to the latest information through daily publications.

Conclusion

AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 is setting a new standard in business aviation. With an expanded range of aircraft on offer, the intensive involvement of international associations, and a diverse array of new collaborations, visitors will find a comprehensive program covering technical innovations, economic prospects, and regulatory challenges. Educational opportunities such as certificate courses and panel discussions enrich the program and create added value for industry professionals. The integration of modern technologies and the promotion of female leaders reflect the dynamic development of the sector. Overall, the trade fair builds on the successes of previous years and creates a pioneering platform for the future of business aviation on a global scale.

Business Aircraft Line-up

88K – PC-12
Air Alliance PC-24; Pilatus PC-12 NGX, Pilatus PC-12
Air Alliance GmbH Pilatus PC-24 & PC-12 PRO
Air Independence PC-12
Airstream, a.s. Beechcraft King Air
Air X, Challenger 850
AMC Aviation, Learjet 60XR
Augsburg Air Service GmbH, King Air, Embraer Phenom 100E
BHS Aviation GmbH; Citation Latitude – 680A, AW109 SP
Bombardier, Challenger 6500
Business Jet Aviation TR GmbH, Phenom 100
Cirrus Aircraft, Vision Jet Series 3, Cirrus SF50, Vision Jet
DAS Private Jets GmbH, Embraer Phenom 300E, Dassault Aviation Falcon 6X
FAI Aviation Group Learjet 60XR
Haute Aviation, Bell 407
HTM Helicopter Travel Munich Airbus EC135
Jetron, King Air C90
MT-Propeller Entwicklung GmbH, Piper Meridian
Piaggio Aerospace P.180 Avanti EVO
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Piper M700, Piper M500, Piper PA 28 Archer DX
Platoon Aviation; Pilatus PC-24
Rheinland Air Service DAHER TBM 980, HondaJet Elite II, Kodiak 900; Bell 407, Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
Silesia Air s.r.o. Beech King Air 260
Tecnam P2012 Traveller
Textron Aviation King Air 260, Caravan EX, Virus, Cessna 206, Citation Ascend, Citation M2 Gen2, Citation Longitude, Cessna T182, Cessna 172
Volare Aviation: Bombardier Global 5000, EC155
Wipaire; Cessna 172