This is the 30th edition of the show. How is this milestone being celebrated?

Well, the most important thing is that the milestone is celebrated with a strong commitment and a record-breaking participation of the industry in all areas of the show – covering the entire venue of Messe Friedrichshafen.

Secondly, we also have exciting anniversary specials such as a flying display on Saturday morning, 20 April. This includes different aerobatics and also a world premiere by bringing four different electric aircraft at the same time into the air to showcase how aviation is on its way to zero-emission aviation. Furthermore, our AERO Heritage Trail takes the visitors on a journey through time from the early beginnings of AERO in 1977 to the present to explore the development of the show and the general aviation industry!

The most important thing is that the milestone is celebrated with a strong commitment and a record-breaking participation of the industry in all areas of the show – covering the entire venue of Messe Friedrichshafen

The show is divided into branches and special areas. What are these and what will make them interesting to attendees?

Indeed, especially this year, it showcases a broad range of topics and areas including drones, gliders, ultralights, helicopters, turboprops, piston aircraft and business jets, but also many, many suppliers e.g. for avionics, flight simulators, headsets and much more in 12 halls and the outdoor static display. I strongly recommend having a detailed look at our new website to evaluate the different areas of interest. Many first-time visitors have learned the hard way that they planned too little time to cover it all.

This year marks the second time that the AERO Hydrogen & Battery Summit is taking place at the event. Can you describe the purpose and importance of this summit?

Sustainable aviation is one of the major topics of our show as we see an increasing dynamic in the industry to be part of the road to zero-emission aviation. The summit addresses our aim to bring general aviation together with business and regional aviation to discuss solutions linked to hydrogen in aviation and the next steps in battery technology. Therefore the second edition is now extended to one and a half days starting off on the day before the show starts (16 April) and continuing on the next day (17 April).

As a leading general aviation show, what does AERO Friedrichshafen offer for aviators in the police, firefighting, emergency medical and rescue services sectors?

More than ever! In the rotorcraft sector we have, for the first time, Leonardo Helicopters with an original equipment manufacturer presence both in the static display with an AW169 and an AW109 in our helicopter hangar in Hall B5. Furthermore, we have for the first time the DRF with their brand-new hoist simulator in Hall B5. Robinson will display for the first time ever at a show worldwide the entire fleet of five helicopter models together with their German partner Heli-Flight at the pavilion of the German Helicopter Association (DHV). Bell will also display their 505 Jet Ranger together with their German partner Rheinland Air Service (RAS). Also, Loft Dynamics will be exhibiting with their H125 virtual reality simulator.

In Hall A2 we will again have AERO Drones happening from 17–19 April (three days while the rest of AERO Friedrichshafen is on for four show days). The drone event is again bringing together drone manufacturers and suppliers with representatives from the police, firefighting, and rescue services. A high-level three-day conference program on a dedicated stage will happen alongside AERO Drones in the same hall.

Are there any other attractions that are making an appearance this year that make AERO Friedrichshafen stand out?

The business aviation industry is represented stronger than ever in the A Halls and on the outdoor static display including brands like Textron Aviation, Gulfstream, Pilatus, TBM Daher, Boeing Global Services, Leonardo, HondaJet, Piper, Pratt & Whitney Bombardier, Cirrus and many more. We have a two-day career event called AERO Career Days happening on Friday and Saturday to bring together young talent with more than 25 exhibitors from all areas of aviation to fight the lack of trained personnel.

Our e-flight expo in Hall A7 is the center of sustainable aviation at AERO Friedrichshafen with various manufacturers such as Elektra Solar, H55, VoltAero, Zuri etc. but also major suppliers such as Safran Electrical & Power, the new Dutch Electric Pavilion with 18 companies representing the entire Dutch electric ecosystem and research institutions like the DLR or TU Munich.

The amount of flight schools in our Be A Pilot section in Foyer West is stronger than ever – so future pilots can inform themselves about the opportunities there.

The gliding community is also back for the first time since 2019 in Hall A1 including all major glider manufacturers and many suppliers.

Last but not least, our ‘backbone’ – the ultralight industry – is covering four entire halls (B1–B4) with loads of innovations!