AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 breaks records and confirms strong GA growth

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.

The strong attendance, high level of innovation and positive atmosphere demonstrated that General Aviation in Europe remains highly active, resilient and forward-looking despite ongoing regulatory and economic challenges.

New member benefit: Avionix Electronic Conspicuity Equipment and ADS-L with up to 15% discount

IAOPA Europe is proud to present a new cooperation with the Polish company Avinox, that specialises in electronic conspicuity equipment including ADS-B, UAT and ADS-L.

The new cooporation fits perfectly with AOPA's effort to promote electronic conspicuity with the ultimate goal of improving flight safety. Avionix complements the already existing cooperation with SafeSky and Foreflight to obtain and show traffic data inflight.

The Aero-Tracker is an electronic conspicuity companion to SafeSky. It directly sends and receives traffic info from multiple sources: ADS-B (RX only), ADS-L, FLARM, OGN and FANET. When within cellphone coverage it exchanges traffic data with SafeSky servers through a built-in sim-card to show targets that cannot be picked up directly - that could be a mode S transponder which needs to be triangulated. The Aero-Tracker is undoubtedly the most versatile portable device when you want to see and be seen electronically. For instance the ability to see not only ADS-B traffic but also gliders which typically send out a Flarm or OGN signal could be lifesaving. IAOPA Europe is proud to offer a 15% discount on this safety enhancing device.

For other equipment from Avionix you will get a 10% discount. For instance the ADS-L tracker which offers similar functionality as the Aero-Tracker but without the simcard and SafeSky integration. The discount also applies to the FollowMe-Beacon which is a transmitter only that allows other traffic to see you via ADS-L for a price of less than €100.

To obtain the discount codes please klick here to verify your account.  After successful validation you can obtain your member benefits.

Visit the Avionix Shop here

Reminiscing on a great week at AERO Friedrichshafen, and looking forward to what’s new with ForeFlight!

Thank you to everyone who joined us at AERO this year! Whether you stayed for a demo, attended a presentation, or simply stopped by to say hello, we truly appreciate your support.

Some of the exciting features we demoed at the stand, like European Logbook Support and Emergency Glide Mode, are available now in the ForeFlight app. 

European Logbook Support brings automatic flight logging, currency tracking, and reporting to Europe, with fields like times, tags, aircraft categories, recency tracking, and more updated to align with European standards. Haven’t switched your Logbook region settings yet? Read our guide to help make the move to EASA-style fields and formats a little easier.

Emergency Glide Mode displays available airport options within your glide range in a distraction-free view, ranking them by distance, runway length, altitude and heading, and winds aloft to help you get to the ground safely during inflight emergencies. Learn more about Emergency Glide Mode here.

Want to try these features firsthand? IAOPA Europe members can get a 25% discount on new purchases and renewals of ForeFlight subscriptions, Jeppesen charts, third-party add-ons, and more. [GET 25% NOW]

If you’re not seeing these features, make sure you have updated to the latest Version 18.3.2. Watch our Mastering ForeFlight updates video or check out our Updating ForeFlight instructions for detailed guidance

MOSAIC opens new possibilities for Light Aviation

The FAA’s new MOSAIC regulation (Modernization of Special Airworthiness Certification) is attracting increasing attention within the European General Aviation community. The new framework significantly expands the possibilities for light-sport and ultralight aircraft in the United States and may eventually influence regulatory thinking in Europe as well.

Within IAOPA Europe, the discussion recently emerged during an exchange about national approval procedures for ultralight helicopters. Representatives from Finland, the Netherlands and Spain compared how national aviation authorities currently handle certification and import procedures for MLA and ultralight aircraft.

Esa Harju from AOPA Finland raised concerns about inconsistent approval processes for ultralight helicopters, noting that some authorities still rely heavily on German or Czech certification decisions without having sufficient expertise themselves. Karel Abbenes explained that the Dutch authority applies a pragmatic approach by accepting certifications from countries with established experience in the sector. Peter Prukl from AOPA Spain noted that Spain has only recently started simplifying previously difficult import and certification procedures following years of lobbying by AOPA and other organizations.

The discussion naturally led to the FAA’s MOSAIC programme, which introduces a far more performance-based approach to light aviation regulation. Under MOSAIC, traditional weight limitations for light-sport aircraft are largely removed and replaced by operational performance criteria. The new rules allow broader categories of aircraft, including rotorcraft, powered-lift aircraft and more advanced propulsion systems such as electric powerplants.

MOSAIC also expands sport pilot privileges. The new framework permits aircraft with retractable landing gear, controllable-pitch propellers and even certain four-seat aircraft, while maintaining the two-person occupancy limit for sport pilots. Night flying privileges are also included.

One particularly interesting development is the introduction of simplified flight control systems, including for helicopters. These systems are designed to reduce loss-of-control accidents by automatically assisting flight path management regardless of pilot input.

While MOSAIC applies only to the United States, the programme is being closely watched in Europe. Many IAOPA members believe the FAA’s more flexible and innovation-driven approach could become an important reference point in future European discussions on MLA, ultralight aircraft and emerging aviation technologies.

IAOPA Europe focuses on Fuel, Regulation and Airspace Access

Geopolitical tensions, increasing regulation and the future of General Aviation dominated discussions during IAOPA Europe’s 153rd Regional Meeting in Copenhagen. Representatives of European AOPA organisations gathered in the Danish capital to review the most important developments affecting GA across Europe.

One of the most important topics was aviation fuel availability. Clemens Bollinger warned that a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz could create serious supply problems, particularly for Jet A1 fuel. Although Europe imports relatively little crude oil directly from the Gulf region, the closure of many European refineries has increased dependence on imported refined fuels.

For Avgas, the short-term outlook appears more stable, with suppliers such as Shell, Warter Fuels and Puma Energy continuing production. However, concern remains about long-term availability. Emmanuel Davidson warned that the planned end of Avgas production in the United States during the 2030s could leave Europe dependent on only a small number of global suppliers. At the same time, participants noted that the current geopolitical situation may accelerate the transition toward unleaded fuels such as GAMI and Swift.

Regulatory developments also generated considerable debate. Participants expressed concern about European Commission proposals for mandatory passenger declaration systems intended to combat smuggling and illegal cross-border activities. Many representatives fear the measures could significantly reduce the operational flexibility that has traditionally characterised General Aviation.

Martin Robinson of AOPA UK noted that similar systems already exist in the UK and sees a risk that comparable requirements might spread across Europe. IAOPA Europe Chairman Roland Becker observed that Europe is entering a political and security climate where border controls become more popular.

IAOPA will continue to take a clear stance on this matter and oppose unnecessary restrictions on the free movement of GA-aircraft within the Schengen Area.

Another major concern was the implementation of Part-IS, the new European cybersecurity regulation for aviation organisations. Although formally in force since February 2026, many flight schools, CAMOs and maintenance organisations are struggling with the administrative burden. According to IAOPA President Michael Erb, not a single aviation organisation in Germany is yet fully compliant. Representatives from Denmark and Switzerland reported similar problems.

More positive discussions focused on aviation medical reform. Recent conversations with EASA during AERO Friedrichshafen 2026 suggest that simplification of medical requirements may become possible in the future. EASA appears to be moving gradually toward a more evidence-based approach, in which certain medical conditions no longer automatically result in disqualification.

Electronic Conspicuity and ADS-B developments were also discussed extensively. Finland, Norway, Spain and Switzerland are investing heavily in new ADS-B infrastructure as electronic visibility systems become increasingly important for maintaining access to airspace. Participants warned that the rapid expansion of drones, wind farms and controlled airspace could gradually push General Aviation out of parts of Europe unless adequate solutions are implemented.

The meeting concluded with preparations for the next IAOPA Europe Regional Meeting, which will take place during the IAOPA World Assembly near Frankfurt later this year

Starlink Price Hike Raises Concern in General Aviation

Recent pricing changes introduced by Starlink for inflight connectivity have caused considerable concern among General Aviation pilots and AOPA organisations across Europe and the United States. What was initially seen as an affordable and innovative solution for cockpit internet access is now becoming financially unrealistic for many private pilots.

The issue emerged after pilots reported that their existing Starlink subscriptions no longer functioned properly in flight. SpaceX subsequently introduced new aviation-specific subscription plans with strict speed limitations and substantially higher prices. Under the new policy, standard “Roam” subscriptions are limited to aircraft flying below 100 mph ground speed, effectively excluding most GA aircraft during normal cruise operations.

Two new aviation plans were announced: Aviation 300 MPH: USD 250 per month for 20 GB of data; Aviation 450 MPH: USD 1,000 per month for 20 GB of data

Additional data usage is charged separately, with overage fees reaching up to USD 50 per GB.

Several AOPA representatives described the changes as making Starlink “no longer viable for most GA aircraft.” The service had rapidly gained popularity among pilots for weather information, traffic awareness, operational planning and communication during cross-country flights.

Feedback from AOPA France illustrates the scale of the problem. According to Emmanuel Davidson, 89 French members had purchased the Starlink Mini system and were satisfied with the original €50 monthly subscription. Following the new pricing structure, 87 of them cancelled the service. Only two users (both TBM owners) continued their subscriptions.
AOPA France suggested that Starlink should introduce a more suitable pricing structure for lighter aircraft, with lower-speed plans and more realistic data allowances for recreational flying.

Within IAOPA Europe, members acknowledged that the technology itself remains highly attractive for General Aviation. Pilots continue to report excellent inflight connectivity and weather access, particularly during longer flights and operations in remote areas.

At the same time, some participants believe the pricing changes reflect a broader commercial strategy. Martin Robinson of AOPA UK suggested that SpaceX may be focusing increasingly on premium and business aviation customers ahead of a possible future IPO.

IAOPA Secretary General Jim Coon confirmed that discussions with SpaceX and Starlink are ongoing. Following feedback from aviation organizations, some adjustments have already been made after the initial price increase. IAOPA continues to advocate for a pricing model that better reflects the needs and operating realities of General Aviation pilots.

Please keep us informed about the aviation news in your country

If you have any news or things that you would like to share with pilots in other countries - for instance if you organize a Fly-in that might be of interest or if there is news about airports or new rules and regulations in your country that other pilots should know. 
Please don't hesitate to send all your news to me: Gerrit Brand | Netherlands | email: gerritbrand@hotmail.com, telephone or whatsapp + 31 6 50831893