With AERO Friedrichshafen thankfully moved a week back from the Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In and featuring a format geared more toward pilots than airshow watchers, Europe’s most GA friendly aviation event enjoyed its best run yet. More than 33,000 aviation enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Germany for the 19th annual event, which wrapped up last week. The elimination of the airshow seemed to make it easier for manufacturers to make connections with potential buyers. Finally, the weather, cool but comfortable, and with no tornadoes, cooperated nicely.
Despite a shortened schedule, this year’s show set a new record with 630 exhibitors from 29 countries in attendance. Visitors at the show got to see a variety of new aircraft and technology, and airplanes on exhibition ran the spectrum from business jets to gliders. There were several new airplane introductions, including a four-seater from Flight Design and new models from Tecnam as well.
Among the highlights of the show were the e-flight-expo, which showcased electric airplanes, ecologically friendly designs, along with numerous technological innovations and the Berblinger Flight Competition, in which dozens of participants competed for awards recognizing resourceful and eco-friendly aircraft.
AERO 2012 will take place April 18–21.
