AERO-GBAA Partnership Strengthens Business Aviation Platform Ahead of 2026 Show

AERO Friedrichshafen has formalised a strategic partnership with the German Business Aviation Association (GBAA), reinforcing its role as a central meeting point for business aviation in Europe and setting the stage for a significantly expanded industry presence at the 2026 edition.

The agreement sees organiser Fairnamic GmbH join the GBAA, deepening ties between the show and Germany’s business aviation ecosystem. As part of the partnership, the GBAA will act as AERO’s main national partner, supporting both the exhibition and the AERO Business Aviation Show Hub.

Tobias Bretzel, Show Director of AERO at Fairnamic, pictured on the left, described the move as a natural progression:

"We are delighted to take our long-standing collaboration with the GBAA to a new level. This expanded partnership will further promote business aviation and strengthen AERO as a key platform for the industry.”

The strengthened cooperation will be clearly visible at AERO 2026, where the GBAA is planning their largest presence to date. A joint pavilion in Hall A2 will bring together numerous member companies, alongside a strong contribution to the conference programme.

GBAA President Peter Gatz, pictured below, highlighted the association’s expanded role:

“The GBAA will have a stronger presence at AERO than ever before. Numerous member companies will be exhibiting at the joint pavilion, and we will demonstrate our partnership through active participation in key conferences, including the Business Aviation Leadership Panel, the Associations Panel and the EU Policy Panel.”

Founded in 1970, the GBAA has long been the voice of German business aviation, representing operators, manufacturers, service providers and financial stakeholders. Its closer integration with AERO reflects a broader push within the sector to strengthen collaboration and industry dialogue.

AERO 2026 will take place from 22–25 April in Friedrichshafen, Germany, bringing together the full spectrum of general aviation, from drones and microlights to business jets, advanced avionics and next-generation propulsion systems.

Further information: www.aero-expo.com