Big Bizav Presence Expected at Aero Friedrichshafen Show

Aero Friedrichshafen 2026, which opens in southern Germany in less than two weeks, will feature an increased business aviation presence. Almost 900 exhibitors—up from 760 last year—are booked for the April 22 to 25 event at a site that will feature an enlarged Business Aviation Dome and more companies from this sector in the adjoining Hall A1.

This year’s show is well supported by leading trade organizations, including the national business aviation associations of both Germany and Austria. Other industry groups involved in the event include The Air Charter Association and the International Aircraft Dealers Association, with the latter benefiting from more static display space for preowned aircraft.

Several business aircraft manufacturers are occupying the outdoor display at the Bodensee-Airport Friedrichshafen (EDNY) site. These include Textron Aviation, Cirrus Aircraft, Bombardier Aerospace, Daher Aircraft, Dassault Falcon, Honda Aircraft, Piaggio Aero, Pilatus Aircraft, and Piper Aircraft.

Almost 50 of the 90 aircraft booked to appear in the Aero Friedrichshafen static display are business aviation models. Highlights will include an international debut for Textron Aviation’s Citation Ascend, and many of the aircraft on show are being provided by local European operators.

Show organizers Fairnamic are anticipating more than 32,000 visitors from around 80 countries, with about half of these holding some type of pilot license. The array of exhibitors spans all aspects of general aviation, and in recent years, there has been a higher profile for sustainable aviation and advanced air mobility, including drones and eVTOL aircraft, as well as electric propulsion and autonomous flight technology.

Industry Leaders Speak

Several sessions in the Aero Friedrichshafen conference program feature industry leaders, such as a business aviation leadership panel on April 22 moderated by General Aviation Manufacturers Association president and CEO James Viola. On the same day, The Air Charter Association is holding several conference sessions covering topics such as the role of brokers and illegal flights.

On April 23, AIN managing editor Charles Alcock will moderate a pair of panels addressing challenges and opportunities facing the business aviation sector. The first of these will include leaders from the German, Austrian, and Asian business aviation associations—respectively, Steffen Merz (who is also head of the European Business Aviation Association), Antonia Gilbert, and Penny Lim—as well as aviation tax and tariff attorney Carsten Nesemann.

The second panel will focus on operational bottlenecks. It will feature David Bergold, CEO of German charter operator Luminair; Platoon Aviation CFO Ieva Trotter; Hadid commercial director Mohammad Osta; and Maxim Ivanov, a manager with FCG Ops.

AIN will provide full news coverage from the Aero Friedrichshafen show with a dedicated landing page available online starting on April 20. Subscribe to our daily AINalerts newsletter for updates through the event.