AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 once again confirmed its position as Europe’s leading General Aviation exhibition. Held from 22 to 25 April at Messe Friedrichshafen, the 32nd edition of the show became the largest in its history, benefiting not only from excellent weather throughout the week but also from strong international participation and growing interest across all sectors of aviation.

According to the organisers, AERO 2026 attracted around 37,000 visitors from 88 countries and hosted 860 exhibitors from 50 nations. These figures significantly exceeded previous editions, which had recorded approximately 32,000 visitors in both 2019 and 2025. The combination of continuous sunshine, a relaxed atmosphere and a broad range of aircraft on display created ideal conditions for visitors and exhibitors alike.

One of the strongest growth sectors this year was business aviation. The absence of the EBACE exhibition in Geneva resulted in many business aviation manufacturers and operators shifting their focus to Friedrichshafen. The expanded Business Aviation Dome and enlarged static display featured an impressive selection of aircraft, ranging from long-range business jets such as the Bombardier Global 6500 and Dassault Falcon 6X to turboprops, piston aircraft, LSAs and helicopters.

Several notable premieres took place during the exhibition. Textron Aviation presented the Cessna Citation Ascend and Cessna SkyCourier for the first time at a European airshow, while Italian manufacturer Promecc Aerospace unveiled its new high-speed ultralight aircraft, the Terrone. Cirrus Aircraft showcased updated versions of its SR-series aircraft and Vision Jet, now equipped with Garmin’s Emergency Autoland system.

Innovation and sustainability remained central themes throughout the exhibition halls. Hall A7 focused heavily on electric propulsion, hydrogen-powered aircraft and future airport energy infrastructure. Numerous presentations on the Innovation Stage demonstrated how rapidly aviation technology continues to evolve toward quieter and more environmentally friendly operations.

The event also highlighted the increasing importance of recruitment and training within aviation. The AERO Career Days attracted large numbers of younger visitors and connected aviation companies with students and aspiring aviation professionals. Aviation YouTubers and online content creators were also increasingly visible, helping to engage a younger generation with General Aviation and aviation careers.

For IAOPA Europe and national AOPA organisations, AERO once again proved to be an important networking platform. The joint stand of AOPA Germany, AOPA Austria, AOPA Switzerland and AOPA Turkey, together with the women pilots association VDP, attracted continuous visitor interest throughout the exhibition. IAOPA also received support from the United States, with AOPA USA Senior Vice President Government Affairs Jim Coon attending the event for the first time.

Equally important were the meetings with regulators and authorities. Discussions took place with EASA Executive Director Florian Guillermet and his team regarding aviation medical reform, with the German Ministry of Transport concerning Part-IS implementation for smaller operators, and with aviation authorities about the future of IFR procedures at smaller airports.

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With a growing list of member benefits we have now compiled a list of member benefits available to members of affiliates of IAOPA Europe.

The lists has been constantly growing with partners such as Jeppesen, TopMeteo & Safesky.

The latest addition is Foreflight where a 25 percent discount is now available.

Please check the list at www.iaopa.eu/memberbenefits

We will update the list regularly as new benefits are added

Recent developments in several European countries highlight the growing focus on cost-sharing flights — and the need for clarity in how rules are applied.

In Finland, a case is developing where the national CAA claims a pilot operating cost-sharing flights is effectively running a commercial operation because the aircraft is privately owned.

The UK has recently tightened its approach following the high-profile Sala accident, which involved an illegal charter flight. Starting in October, UK pilots conducting cost-sharing flights must ensure passengers pay an equal share of the cost. Passengers are also required to fill out a participation form, which the pilot must keep for six months — allowing investigators to confirm compliance if necessary. According to AOPA UK’s Martin Robinson, these changes are intended to make enforcement easier but will likely have limited impact on illegal charter flights due to limited oversight resources.

In Denmark, a case was previously taken to court by the CAA seeking to convict a pilot for not paying an equal share of the costs on a cost-sharing flight. The court dismissed the case, ruling correctly that EU regulations only require the pilot to pay a share, not necessarily an equal one. This ruling reinforces the principle that cost-sharing flights remain a legal way for private pilots to defray operating costs, provided they do not turn into disguised commercial operations.

One of the open questions that still causes confusion and uncertainty is what can be considered ‘direct costs’ eligible for sharing and here the discussion centers on costs for items like insurance, maintanance and hangar. If a pilot rents an aircraft the entire rent is obviously a direct cost even if part of the rent is set obviously covering these elements. If the pilot owns the aircraft himself it does not seem logical that the same elements could not be taken into account when calculating 'direct costs'. This question remains open and could have wide-reaching implications for GA pilots across Europe.

IAOPA Europe is monitoring these developments closely, as several CAAs may look to replicate the UK model or even pressure EASA to revise its rules. ‘This is another example of regulators trying to solve a problem that may not really exist — while creating new burdens for legitimate GA activity,’ Martin Robinson noted.

What is a cost-sharing flight?

Under EU Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Part-NCO), private pilots may share the direct costs of a flight with up to five passengers, provided the pilot also contributes to those costs. Direct costs typically include fuel, oil, landing fees, and — if applicable — aircraft rental fees. The flight must be genuinely non-commercial: the pilot cannot make a profit and cannot be ‘holding out’ by offering air transport as a service.
Cost-sharing is a vital way for private pilots to reduce flying expenses, maintain currency, and keep GA accessible. However, interpretation of what counts as ‘direct costs’ and how flights are advertised remains a point of discussion with regulators.