According to data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), the first half of 2025 saw 4.3 percent more new aircraft deliveries worldwide compared to the same period last year, with manufacturers’ billings rising 9.9 percent to US$12.3 billion. Industry forecasts suggest that 2025 may see the highest number of business jet deliveries since 2007.

Tobias Bretzel, Show Director AERO at fairnamic GmbH, noted: “We are delighted with the enormous interest shown by the industry in AERO and are currently recording a significantly higher number of registrations compared to the same period last year, with firm commitments from leading manufacturers. While growth varies across sectors, AERO remains a trade fair for the entire General Aviation community.”

The AERO Business Aviation Show Hub will expand in 2026, with more exhibitors showcasing their products and services in Hall A1, alongside an enlarged static display. The Business Aviation Dome, introduced last year as the centrepiece of the business aviation segment, will return—this time on a larger scale. Confirmed exhibitors already include Bombardier, Textron Aviation, Piper Aircraft, Pilatus Aircraft, Daher Aircraft, Rheinland Air Service (RAS), Platoon Aviation, Jetex, DC Aviation, and Atlas Air Service, among others.

Ultralight aircraft will once again occupy a major presence in Halls B1 to B4, displaying everything from historic ultralight replicas and gyrocopters to ultralight helicopters, with several world premieres announced for 2026. Helicopters will also feature prominently in Hall B5 and in the expanded outdoor static area.

Visitors will gain a glimpse of aviation’s future in Hall A7, where start-ups and established innovators will present breakthroughs in electric and hybrid-electric propulsion as well as entirely new aircraft concepts. The Innovation Stage will host international industry leaders discussing the real-world implementation of these technologies.

The backbone of General Aviation—piston aircraft—will be well represented in Halls A3 and A4 and on the static display, with participation confirmed from Cirrus Aircraft, Diamond Aircraft, Tecnam, Extra, Elixir, Piper, and Textron Aviation.

AERO 2026 will also put strong emphasis on career development, with Career Days (April 24–25) giving young professionals direct access to aviation companies seeking new talent in areas such as piloting, maintenance, and ground operations.

Conferences, workshops, and presentations will complement the exhibits throughout the week. Highlights include the AERO General Aviation Academy for pilot training and the 4th AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit (April 21–22, 2026), where experts will debate the latest developments in electric and hydrogen-powered flight. More than 50 programme topics will be presented daily, offering visitors significant added value.

The event will culminate on Saturday, April 25, with a grand air show at noon, featuring a dynamic and varied flying display—a fitting finale to what promises to be another standout year for AERO.