ILA Berlin has further expanded its international significance: the 2026 show saw 110,000 attendees come to BER, the capital region’s airport — a significant increase compared to 2024. Interest from the general public was also high. Despite an increased ticket allocation, weekend tickets sold out early.
A total of 765 exhibitors from 37 countries showcased innovations spanning the entire value chain, from climate-friendly aviation and space technologies to security and defence, across more than 200,000 square meters.
More than 400 speakers discussed key future issues facing the industry on three stages. Meanwhile, 330 delegations from about 60 countries used ILA as a platform for political dialogue and international cooperation. Approximately 100 aircraft demonstrated the full range of aerospace technology on the ground and in the air.
Marie-Christine von Hahn, CEO of BDLI, said:
This ILA sent a powerful message to our industry, our members, and Germany as a hub for the aerospace sector. It drew international attention to an industry that shapes competitiveness, security, and technological sovereignty. Hundreds of political discussions, numerous new partnerships, and concrete agreements demonstrate that aerospace is both a key industry and a strategic infrastructure.
Dirk Hoffmann, COO of Messe Berlin, added: “ILA Berlin 2026 has impressively demonstrated the innovative potential of the aerospace industry and the high level of interest in the sector’s future technologies. The increase in visitor numbers and the international participation underscore ILA’s role as a key platform for exchange, business development, and inspiration.”
ILA highlights the strategic importance of aerospace
The significant attendance of political leaders, industry representatives, and international delegations emphasized the importance of the aerospace sector. During the event, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz opened ILA Berlin 2026 and presented the federal government’s new aviation strategy.
In his opening speech, Merz described ILA as a trade show that inspires “confidence in a new beginning.” He said that here, Germany presents itself as a country at the forefront of global innovation in civil and military aerospace.
Aviation: innovations for the aviation industry of tomorrow
The aviation segment focused on climate-friendly flying, new propulsion technologies, and more efficient aircraft designs. Topics such as Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), hydrogen technologies, new materials, digital manufacturing, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) dominated the discussions.
The highlights of the Flying Display included the Airbus A350-1000 and the Airbus Helicopters Racer. The Static Display featured the Emirates A380, the Airbus Beluga, the A320neo in its special “100 Years of Lufthansa” livery, and the Do228 NXT, among others.
Dr. Johannes Bussmann, BDLI Vice President for Aviation (CEO of MTU Aero Engines AG), said: “The Chancellor presented the new aviation strategy at ILA Berlin and made it clear: The next generation of aircraft must come primarily from Germany. This opens up major new opportunities for the civil aviation industry.”
Space: exploration at the intersection of research, innovation, and fascination
In the Space segment, ILA Berlin 2026 highlighted the growing importance of space exploration as critical infrastructure. The focus was on satellite technologies and Earth observation, space security, and new commercial applications. In the Space Pavilion, space agencies, industry representatives, and research institutions discussed current developments in European space exploration and the benefits of space technologies for life on Earth.
A live link-up to the International Space Station (ISS) with ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot received special attention. ESA astronauts Alexander Gerst and Matthias Maurer also took the stage to provide insights into their missions and the future of European space exploration.
Dr. Marc Steckling, BDLI Vice President for Space (Head of Space Germany at Airbus Defence and Space), said: “ILA Berlin demonstrated just how dynamically the space industry is currently evolving. Innovation, international cooperation, and technological progress were evident everywhere.
“New projects, strong companies, and many substantive discussions have shown that space is a central component of security, sovereignty, and industrial strength.”
Defence: security, drones, and networked capabilities
The ILA Berlin Defence segment showcased the latest developments in modern defence technologies, ranging from air defence and networked operations to artificial intelligence and unmanned systems. A special focus was placed on drones. The new Drone Pavilion featured the Drone Cage and demonstrated applications and operational scenarios, providing a platform for dialogue among manufacturers, military forces, and policymakers.
Oliver Dörre, BDLI Vice President for Defence & Security (CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of HENSOLDT AG), said: “ILA Berlin has made it clear: security is no longer an abstract debate, but an industrial challenge. Europe is on the move when it comes to defence and security. What matters now is translating contracts, partnerships, and technological innovation quickly and reliably into concrete capabilities for our armed forces.”
Highlights of the Static Display included the P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft from Boeing and the MQ-28 Ghost Bat unmanned test aircraft, which was developed by Boeing Australia in partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force. The Flying Display featured the Leonardo AW249 combat helicopter and the EC665 Tiger, as well as the Eurofighter and Tornado.
Suppliers: technological leadership starts in the supply industry
In the Suppliers segment, companies across the entire value chain showcased new materials, digital manufacturing technologies, and innovative components for aerospace applications. The large crowds underscored the central role that suppliers and equipment manufacturers play in the industry.
Dr. Jörg Schuler, BDLI Vice President for Equipment and Materials (CEO of Diehl Aviation), said: “ILA Berlin was a great success for the industry’s industrial base. Suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and materials specialists are the foundation of all aircraft. ILA has shown that technological sovereignty begins long before the final product.”
Aerospace thrills the general public
ILA Berlin 2026 offered many highlights for the general public. At the Flying and Static Displays, visitors could experience modern aerospace technologies up close, including drones, helicopters, and passenger and transport aircraft. In the Space Pavilion, astronauts shared stories about their space missions. Numerous hands-on activities complemented the program, including drone workshops, meet-and-greets with Eurofighter pilots, and career guidance opportunities at the ILA Talent Hub.
The next ILA Berlin will take place from May 17 to 21, 2028.
About ILA Berlin
ILA Berlin is one of the world’s leading aerospace trade shows. It covers the aviation, space and defence sectors. Every two years, it brings together leading figures from industry, politics, research and the armed forces to exchange ideas and network. On its public days, it offers the general public the opportunity to experience the latest trends in aerospace. The next edition will take place from 17 to 21 May 2028 at BER Airport. ILA Berlin is organized by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) in cooperation with Messe Berlin GmbH. This year, ILA Berlin attracted around 110,000 participants from 60 countries, 765 exhibitors from 37 nations, more than 400 speakers and 330 international delegations. Its partners are the State of Brandenburg, the State of Berlin and Berlin-Brandenburg Airport.
Featured image credited to ILA Berlin
