Europe's premier general aviation trade show wrapped last week with record-breaking numbers, fresh aircraft launches and a business aviation segment that showed no signs of slowing.
AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 attracted around 37,000 visitors from 88 countries and 860 exhibitors from more than 50 nations across its four days in southern Germany, up from 32,100 visitors in 2025. International participation reached 54% of exhibitors and 55% of visitors, figures that organisers say reflect sustained confidence in the GA sector despite broader economic headwinds.
Business aviation was the fastest-growing segment at the show, with the dedicated Business Aviation Dome expanding its floor space by 50% compared with the previous year. For the first time, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association led official tours of the show floor for EASA, the European Commission and the FAA.
Among the firsts at AERO 2026 was the Cessna Citation Ascend midsize business jet from Textron Aviation, making its airshow debut outside the United States. The Cessna SkyCourier, a twin-engine turboprop multi-purpose aircraft, was also exhibited at a European airshow for the first time.
On the GA side, Italian manufacturer Tecnam opened proceedings with a flurry of announcements, including the launch of the P2012 VIP, a luxury edition of its twin-engine Traveller with a business-jet style interior, leather seating and enhanced acoustic insulation. The company also revealed an updated P2010 MK3 with a new Garmin software package and factory-fitted air conditioning, and unveiled the P2008JC NG.
Daher used the show to display the TBM 980 alongside the Kodiak 900, the latter making its first appearance in Europe. The multi-mission turboprop was flown directly from Idaho by Daher's senior director of multi-mission aircraft.
Swiss-German manufacturer Kaelin Aero Technologies unveiled the B-100C, a tandem-seat basic trainer capable of 162 knots, designed to take students from initial training through to advanced profiles.
French manufacturer AURA AERO signed its first firm order for the INTEGRAL S, a side-by-side aerobatic trainer with a whole-airframe parachute system, with Czech operator OK Aviation. CS-23 certification and first deliveries are expected before the end of 2026.
In a moment of historical significance, Junkers Aircraft received a type certificate for its A60 light aircraft from the German Ultralight Association at the show. The Dimor Group, which holds the rights to the Junkers name, has been reviving production of the historic brand.
Cate Brancart, GAMA's director of European safety and sustainability development, said the association had never been busier at AERO. "This provided a unique opportunity to showcase the innovations developed by the general aviation sector and their far-reaching impact. If it flies, it was at AERO Friedrichshafen."
The next AERO Friedrichshafen is scheduled for 14–17 April 2027.