Aero Show To Host Inaugural ‘Air Charter Regional’

As Germany’s Aero Friedrichshafen show continues to evolve its dedicated business aviation offering, next year’s iteration will—for the first time—incorporate the Air Charter Association into its schedule. The April 14 to 17 show will include the first staging of the Air Charter Regional conference, which is based on the established formula of the existing Air Charter Expo (ACE).

Aero Friedrichshafen show director Tobias Bretzel presented the new format yesterday at ACE 2026 at London Biggin Hill Airport (EGKB). In addition to a dedicated conference program, the new feature will include an ACE-branded business aviation exhibit in Aero's Hall A1, promising what he termed a “similar feel and focus” to the annual UK event. 

Pre-furnished booths within the Air Charter Association area, measuring either 3 by 6 or 3 by 3 square meters, will be available for exhibitors. Meanwhile, as Aero itself continues to expand, the business aviation element—returning for its third year—is now set to encompass a footprint across four halls and the Messe Friedrichshafen venue’s Foyer West, as well as an extended static display.

Refinements to Bizav Elements For 2027

“Aero gets more and more relevant every year,” Bretzel, who represents show organizer Fairnamic, told AIN, elaborating on the “very positive” feedback organisers have received to date from attendees, exhibitors, and the local authorities. However, in response to industry suggestions, April 2027’s dedicated business aviation event will now run for just two and a half days: offering attendees the opportunity to travel home on the Friday afternoon. While aircraft will physically remain on the static lineup during the Saturday, exhibitors will be given the choice as to whether they wish to remain present. 

However, while the popularity of the business aviation element continues to grow, Bretzel believes its proximity to the other aircraft on display—ranging from ultralights to general aviation models to very light jets—remains relevant. Not only do many business aviation pilots begin their careers in general aviation, but aircraft’s ability to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals during public days is significant, he suggested. 

Fairnamic’s plans to augment its biz-av lineup from 2026’s 50 aircraft (a number incorporating both fixed and rotary-wing) to something closer to 70 will require some creative planning. While 2026 saw the static display move further out, for 2027, underused outside areas between halls A1-A2-A3 will be reconfigured into one continuous throughput: offering, according to Bretzel, a “completely different flow of [visitor] traffic.”

In view of helicopters’ significance to the business aviation segment, these are also set to relocate from their traditional home in hall B5, potentially to hall A2, A3, or the Foyer West. “We can adapt a lot of things here and there,” explained Bretzel, who revealed that the event plans to welcome gliders back into the old helicopter hall. Nevertheless, he maintains that, overall, Messe Friedrichshafen can amply cater for the show’s ongoing expansion aspirations. Organisers are predicting some 37,000 attendees for April 2027’s edition, on par with 2026, with over 300 exhibitors already committed.