April 22–25, 2026 Friedrichshafen, Germany
AERO Friedrichshafen returns this month as the annual reference point for the global general aviation community. Running from 22 to 25 April 2026, the show will host around 820 exhibitors from over 50 nations — a new high for the event. With more than 756 exhibitors confirmed across twelve exhibition halls and a static display, the show spans the full spectrum of general aviation, from gliders and ultralights through to piston aircraft, helicopters, and business aviation.
The scale of attendance reflects the show's continued position as a working forum. More than 32,000 attendees are expected from around the world. For professionals across manufacturing, MRO, avionics, training, and regulation, the event provides a concentrated opportunity to assess product releases, evaluate suppliers, and engage with peers across national borders.
The Exhibition Grounds and Static Display
The Friedrichshafen exhibition grounds feature a relatively unusual infrastructure in Europe: direct access to Lake Constance Airport, which allows exhibitors to taxi aircraft directly from the airport to the static display and into the exhibition halls. In 2026, the static display will be expanded to showcase 35 aircraft — more than at any previous edition. The combination of indoor and outdoor displays allows visitors to move between technical specifications in the halls and physical assessments on the apron, which is practically useful for procurement and evaluation purposes.
Structured Guided Tours: A New Addition
For the first time, AERO will offer structured guided tours designed to give trade visitors targeted orientation across the large exhibition. Conducted by subject-matter guides and in small groups, participants can book themed tours covering sustainable aviation, innovative propulsion systems, trade show innovations, and HR and career opportunities in business aviation. These tours are positioned as a practical tool for visitors who want direct engagement with exhibitors rather than a general walkthrough of the halls.
The Hydrogen and Battery Summit
The fourth AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit will take place on 21 and 22 April 2026 — the day before the main show opens — at the Conference Center East. The symposium focuses on the transition to sustainable and CO₂ free aviation by presenting practical solutions and current applications, drawing experts from research, development, and industry.
The technical programme addresses a range of interdependent engineering challenges. On the battery side, current ambitions push beyond 300 Wh/kg, with questions around whether solid-state cells achieving up to 600 Wh/kg will emerge — and whether they can do so with improved safety profiles. The Fraunhofer Institute will present on lithium-silicon batteries with that energy density target. On the propulsion side, presentations will cover cooling technologies for electrified aviation, high-temperature PEM fuel cell developments, and the integration of silicon carbide power electronics into aviation propulsion systems. A session on reduced power take-off procedures will examine battery degradation in an operational environment using the Pipistrel Velis Electro as a reference platform.
The certification question sits at the centre of much of the summit's discussion. Currently, only RTX subsidiary Pipistrel holds international certification with its Velis Electro. A fully certified powered aircraft is expected from the joint development by BRM and H55, though further models from multiple countries remain in the development phase. A dedicated session titled "In the End It's All About Certification" will address this directly. The summit also includes a session on the development of a hydrogen-electric aircraft under the H2-Sling programme.
Ticket pricing for the summit is €350 for general trade visitors, €270 for exhibitors, and €25 for students across both days.
The Innovation Stage
A new AERO Innovation Stage has been added to the programme for 2026, providing a dedicated platform for emerging companies and technologies within the main show dates. This complements the existing GA Academy, which addresses the training and professional development side of general aviation.
Airshow Programme
The AERO airshow will take place on Saturday 25 April from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The programme will include a parachute display by the Flying Bones, formation flying by Nico and Ralf Niebergall in a pair of Siai Marchetti SF-260 aircraft, and a helicopter aerobatics display by pilot Mirko Flaim flying the BO-105 for the Flying Bulls — a display that will include loops, rolls, and high-dynamic manoeuvres. A meet and greet with the airshow pilots will follow from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. at the Business Aviation Dome Stage.
AERO and GBAA Strategic Partnership
In March 2026, AERO and GBAA announced a strategic partnership, aligning the show more closely with the UK's general aviation and business aviation sector. This follows a broader pattern of AERO expanding its international reach, with AERO South Africa also scheduled for 10–12 June 2026 at Lanseria International Airport.
Practical Information
The show runs daily from 22 to 25 April. Discounted family tickets at €39 are available at ticket counters on Saturday. Air Uniqon operates scheduled services connecting Friedrichshafen Airport with Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg for the duration of the event. Accommodation is managed through official housing partner bnetwork Switzerland. The AERO app provides exhibitor search, programme planning, and navigation across the grounds.
For professionals working in general aviation, certification, sustainable propulsion, or business aviation, the combination of the Hydrogen & Battery Summit on 21–22 April and the main show through to 25 April makes Friedrichshafen a worthwhile fixture for the diary this month.
Further information and registration at aero-expo.com