Higher exhibitor numbers and growing international participation at the trade show point to continued momentum across both general and business aviation sectors.
AERO 2026 has delivered record exhibitor and visitor numbers, with 860 exhibitors from 50 countries and around 37,000 visitors attending the Friedrichshafen event, up from 32,100 the previous year.
International participation remained high, accounting for 54 percent of exhibitors and 55 percent of visitors, reinforcing the show’s global standing.
Philipp Ferger, CEO of Fairnamic GmbH, says: “AERO 2026 was a trade show of records and premieres. AERO's steady growth in recent years is the result of positive market trends and the AERO team's customer-focused industry dialogue.”
Tobias Bretzel, show director at Fairnamic GmbH, adds: “The fact that exhibitors from all segments of general and business aviation are presenting their innovations to trade visitors and the general public for the first time in Friedrichshafen impressively demonstrates the global relevance of this trade show. With over 550 accredited media representatives, half of whom came from abroad, AERO 2026 was also a global media event.”
Business aviation emerged as the fastest-growing segment, reflected in a 50 percent expansion of the Business Aviation Dome and increased hall occupancy across A1, A2 and parts of A3. The static display featured a wide spectrum of aircraft, from ultra-long-range business jets to light aircraft and helicopters.
Aircraft appearing outside their primary markets included the Cessna Citation Ascend and SkyCourier, alongside Daher Aircraft’s TBM 980 and Kodiak 900.
Commercial activity remained strong throughout the show. Luminair confirmed an order for nine Citation Latitude aircraft, while Tecnam reported multiple training aircraft orders from flight schools.
Sustainability featured prominently, with Hall A7 hosting projects spanning electric and hybrid aircraft, hydrogen propulsion and infrastructure upgrades. The Innovation Stage supported industry discussion and project updates.
The AERO Career Days programme connected employers with prospective talent, highlighting ongoing workforce requirements.
AERO will expand its global footprint in 2027 with events scheduled across multiple regions, including Europe, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.
