AERO 2025 – A Landmark for Global General Aviation

AERO 2025 once again demonstrated its unique position as Europe’s most comprehensive General Aviation trade fair. From air sports aircraft to helicopters and business jets, the show reflected the full spectrum of aviation at Lake Constance, attracting strong international participation and visitor numbers.

This year’s edition made headlines by featuring the largest number of business jets ever displayed at a European trade fair, underscoring the growing importance of Business Aviation within the event. The exhibition grounds’ direct taxiway connection to Bodensee Airport allowed aircraft to taxi from the airport to the static display and into the halls — a distinctive infrastructure feature unique in Europe.

THE BEST EVER EDITION

The 31st edition of AERO, held in Friedrichshafen in 2025, reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s leading trade fairs for general aviation, air sports, and business aviation. This year’s event saw huge participation of nearly 760 exhibitors from 38 nations showcasing 328 aircraft — the highest number ever displayed at an AERO — ranging from drones and microlights to gliders, piston aircraft, helicopters, and ultra long-range business jets.

Drawing 32,100 visitors from over 80 countries, the show hosted the largest gathering of business aircraft seen at a European trade fair this year. Business aviation had a strong showing, with the presence of all leading business aircraft. A dedicated Business Aviation Dome, a transparent 2,000 square metre hangar in the static display, formed the centrepiece of this segment and became a focal point for exhibitors and attendees alike.

Organisers declared the show a resounding success. Stefan Reisinger, CEO of fairnamic GmbH, called AERO 2025 a “precision landing,” highlighting the event’s expanded relevance and the successful introduction of the Business Aviation Show Hub. Show Director Tobias Bretzel noted that the show not only met but exceeded expectations, with exhibitors reporting brisk business and an enthusiastic industry atmosphere. Bretzel described it as “the best AERO ever” and confirmed plans to expand the exhibition area for 2026.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE SHOW

AERO 2025 reinforced its reputation as a trade show of innovations. Among several premieres, highlights included the world debut of the Chinese RX4E, the first certified four-seater electric aircraft, shown both in the static display and at the e-Flight Airshow. Pilatus introduced its PC-12 PRO turboprop in a global trade fair premiere, while the Smartflyer hybrid-electric prototype made its public debut after its November 2024 rollout. The event also spotlighted cutting-edge propulsion technologies, from hydrogen fuel cells to hybrid-electric systems, with active participation from startups, research centers, and established manufacturers.

The single- and twin-engine piston aircraft segment, forming the backbone of general aviation and pilot training, was strongly represented, reflecting Germany’s active fleet of over 21,000 aircraft, including 7,200 in these classes alone.

The Zeppelin CAT Hall A1 remained the epicenter for sailplane displays, while the ultralight segment impressed with its diversity and technological innovation. The Heli-Hangar in Hall B5 showcased a record 30 helicopters, including models from Airbus Helicopters, Bell, Robinson, and Guimbal.

SPECIAL FOCUS AREAS AT AERO 2025

• Ultralight Segment: A particularly innovative sector at AERO 2025, enhanced by Germany’s 600 kg weight limit increase, allowing more advanced aircraft designs.
• AERO Gliding Expo: Glider manufacturers return in Hall A1, preceding a two-year participation rhythm.
• International & Regional Pavilions: Over 10 dedicated pavilions confirmed, including national and cluster pavilions from the Czech Republic, Netherlands, China (first-time Innovation Pavilion), and several German aerospace regions such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, Brandenburg, Bremen.
• e-flight expo (Hall A7): Featuring sustainable aviation innovations from the Dutch Pavilion and debut Chinese Innovation Pavilion.
• Sustainable Aviation Trail: Showcasing forward-thinking companies in hydrogen propulsion, electric aircraft, advanced avionics, and lightweight materials.

Two airshows added further excitement to the programme. On April 10, the e-Flight Airshow returned, showcasing electric aircraft in flight. A historic highlight came with the European flight debut of the RX4E — a certified electric aircraft from China, marking its first public appearance outside its home country. On April 12, the traditional airshow captivated visitors with aerobatics and glider displays, coinciding with AERO’s Family Day, where families enjoyed discounted on-site ticket pricing.

The ultralight segment impressed with a wide selection of innovative aircraft, enabled by Germany’s 600-kilogram weight limit introduced two years ago. Glider manufacturers also returned in force this year before resuming their biennial participation schedule.

National pavilions remained a strong feature of the event. The Dutch Pavilion, introduced in 2024, made a successful return, while a new Chinese national pavilion debuted, focusing on sustainable aviation solutions.

AERO DRONES & HELICOPTER HANGAR

The Helicopter Hangar featured leading OEMs including Airbus, Bell, and Leonardo, alongside suppliers and operators. Together with the German Helicopter Association (DHV), a four-day conference programme spotlighted rotorcraft industry developments.

The successful “trade fair within a trade fair” — AERO Drones — continued on its strong course at AERO 2025. This year, it relocated to Hall B4 for the first three days of the show.

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become an integral part of modern life, with applications ranging from agriculture and emergency services to recreational use and specialised security operations. AERO Drones showcased this broad spectrum from April 9 to 11, 2025, within the main AERO event in Friedrichshafen.

Responding to popular demand, the move to Hall B4 provided more exhibition space and positioned the event closer to the Helicopter Hangar in Hall B5, promoting a stronger exchange between drone and helicopter operators sharing the same airspace.

AERO show director Tobias Bretzel expressed his satisfaction in continuing the partnership with the Baden-Württemberg Police and welcoming a new partner, the Technisches Hilfswerk (THW), both of whom brought extensive UAV operational experience to the event.

Martin Landgraf, Head of the Baden-Württemberg Police Helicopter Squadron, emphasised the value of exchanging expertise with fellow UAV operators at AERO Drones, highlighting the event’s efficiency and importance for operational collaboration.

AVIATION CAREERS AT AERO 2025

With increasing demand for pilots, engineers, skilled workers, and software specialists, many companies used AERO 2025 as a platform to attract young talent and showcase career opportunities within the aviation industry.

The AERO Conferences featured over 200 topics, covering everything from the AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit to General Aviation Academy training, fostering international AERO 2025 addressing the industry’s pressing need for skilled professionals.

The AERO Career Days on April 11–12 hosted over 30 companies offering career opportunities across pilot training, engineering, maintenance, and aviation services.

SUSTAINABILITY TAKES CENTER STAGE AT AERO 2025

Friedrichshafen reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable aviation at AERO 2025, held from April 9 to 12. As the industry works towards its climate-neutral-by-2050 target, over 130 exhibitors participated in this year’s expanded Sustainable Aviation Trail — the highest number to date — with green balloons marking their stands.

General Aviation continues to play a vital role as a testbed for sustainable technologies, offering a fast, flexible platform for trials before larger-scale applications. Reflecting this, the e-flight-expo, part of AERO since 2009, highlighted electric flight’s progress, including two certified all-electric aircraft. The e-Flight Airshow on April 10 showcased a silent airborne display of electric aircraft between 11:45 and 12:45.

The sustainability focus extended to the conference halls, with the 3rd Hydrogen and Battery Summit opening on April 8–9. Leading experts shared projects and debated pathways to climate-neutral aviation, from battery-electric and hydrogen fuel cell systems to hybrid drives and sustainable fuels — a future still being shaped amid both innovation and market challenges.

AERO 2025 also introduced several world premieres in green aviation, reaffirming its role as a launchpad for the future of sustainable flight.

Throughout the event, visitors experienced numerous world, European, and German premieres — particularly in green aviation technology — both on the ground and in the air, reaffirming AERO’s role as a launch platform for the industry’s sustainable future.

GENERAL AVIATION OUTLOOK

AERO continues to embody the full spectrum of General Aviation — from air sports to business jets. The sector looks ahead with optimism, with strong private demand for single and twinengine piston aircraft and consistent global orders for training aircraft driven by rising demand for professional pilots.

AERO remains a vital platform for cross-sectoral exchange, with General Aviation continuing to serve as an innovation incubator — pioneering technologies such as glass cockpits, winglets, and composite structures, which often find applications in commercial aviation. AERO’s growing international footprint is highlighted, with upcoming editions announced: AERO South Africa at Lanseria International Airport from June 25–27, 2025, AERO Asia in Zhuhai, China, from November 6–9, 2025, and the next Friedrichshafen edition already scheduled for April 22–25, 2026.

MAJOR ATTRACTIONS: AERO 2025

Pilatus PC-12 PRO: Another world premiere at AERO was the unveiling of the PC-12 PRO, hailed by Swiss manufacturer Pilatus Aircraft as the most advanced single-engine turboprop ever built. The aircraft boasts a completely redesigned cockpit, cutting-edge safety systems including Autoland, Smart Glide, and Electronic Stability, along with refreshed interior and livery options. At its core lies the new Pilatus Advanced Cockpit Environment (ACE), built around the Garmin G3000 Prime. Three large 14-inch high-resolution primary displays and two 7-inch touchscreen secondaries, coupled with a custom Pilatus cursor control device, offer an intuitive, seamless pilot interface throughout all phases of flight.

Smartflyer SFX1: Making its debut appearance at an airshow, the Smartflyer SFX1 from Grenchen, Switzerland, was one of the few aircraft designed entirely around electric propulsion. This innovative hybrid-electric aircraft celebrated its rollout on November 6, 2024. Constructed from carbon fiber composite materials, the four-seater reduces CO2 emissions by 50 per cent compared to conventional aircraft in its class, operates 60 per cent more quietly, and offers a range of 431 nautical miles (800 km). Its electric drive system promises improved efficiency, simplified maintenance, and operating costs 50 per cent lower than those of comparable piston-powered aircraft.

Oskar Ursinus Vereinigung (OUV): Celebrating grassroots aviation, Germany’s OUV — a decentralised community of over 1,200 members — showcased self-built aircraft reflecting pure aviation passion. This year’s exhibits include the ultralight flying wing Schneewittchen, the Weller Rebell UL kitplane, aerobatic two-seater Van’s Aircraft RV-7A, Cherry BX2, CAP 232 aerobatic aircraft, and the CriCri, the world’s smallest twin-engine aircraft. Also on display was the first-generation Skywalker ultralight aircraft, part of the OUV youth project “Students Build an Airplane”.

Dovetail Electric Aviation: Headquartered in Australia and Spain, Dovetail Electric Aviation presented its pioneering Dovepower drive system and Dovepack energy storage solution for the first time in Europe. Specialising in the conversion of existing aircraft to electric and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems, Dovetail’s Dovepower engine is tailored for CS-23 certified aircraft, replacing traditional turboprops with a highly efficient, low-noise electric motor. The company is currently integrating Dovepower into a Cessna Caravan, seeking STC (Supplemental Type Certificate) approval. Once certified, this will convert the world’s bestselling single-engine turboprop into a fully zero-emission platform with up to 40 per cent lower operating costs. Dovetail has already secured 70 pre-orders for these conversions.

MT-Propeller Innovations: From Straubing-Wallmühle airfield, Bavaria, MT-Propeller brought forward a landmark conversion at AERO 2025: the transformation of a Piper Meridian with a PT6A-135 engine and five-blade propeller. The upgrade reduces both maintenance and operational costs. The conversion lowers propeller speed from 2000 to 1900 RPM, achieving a substantial reduction in noise levels — from 74.9 dB(A) to 66.9 dB(A) at a takeoff weight of 1,999 kg.

Turbotech: French propulsion specialist Turbotech continues to revolutionise aviation propulsion systems as the first company worldwide to develop regenerative turbines for aviation. Partnered with Le Guellec, a microtube heat exchanger pioneer, Turbotech’s systems drastically cut turbine environmental impact. Its flagship TP-R90 turboprop offers a compact, reliable, and vibration-free solution for light aircraft, helicopters and drones, combining gas turbine advantages with exceptional fuel economy and poly-fuel capability for extended missions. Turbotech also leads the BeautHyFuel research project — a collaboration with Elixir Aircraft, Safran, Air Liquide, and Daher — developing a hydrogen propulsion chain for light aviation. By September 2024, the project successfully completed test bench runs of a hydrogen-powered regenerative turboprop fed from a liquid hydrogen tank.