Charles Alcock is managing editor of the AIN Media Group, having rejoined the company in 2019. He has been an aviation journalist since 1986, and previously worked for AIN from 1990 to 2017, most recently as editor-in-chief. His main focus is on covering new aviation technology and business models, as well as international news.
Having been raised in the London area, Alcock studied at the University of Manchester in the UK and earned an honors degree in Politics and Modern History. He speaks English and French, and some German.

Managing Editor

Gulfstream designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and services business jet aircraft.

Bombardier manufactures a variety of business aircraft models, provides engineering, and aircraft maintenance services.

Dassault Falcon 2000, 2000DX, 2000EX, 2000EX EASy, 2000LX, 2000LXS, and 2000S

Charles Alcock

Business aviation is set to have its highest-ever profile at the annual Aero Friedrichshafen show running from April 9 to 12. The enhanced focus on the sector comes at a time when the industry in Europe is facing political turbulence with operating costs inflated by decarbonization policies and operational restrictions at airports.
Held at Friedrichshafen Airport close to Lake Constance in southern Germany, the annual event&nbsp;has sometimes been described as Europe’s answer to the EAA AirVenture show in Wisconsin. This year, the lineup is even more diverse with a new Business Aviation Show Hub, alongside light and aerobatic aircraft, gliders, ultralights, drones, and an assortment of flying curiosities.
At the heart of the new business aviation enclave is the 2,000-sq-m (21,500-sq-ft) Dome structure, made to accommodate some of the exhibitors and also to serve as an area for presentations. This structure is part of the static display, which will include multiple business aircraft, including a Bombardier Challenger 3500, Gulfstream G600, Dassault Falcon 2000, and Pilatus PC-24.
The Messe Friedrichshafen exhibition site also features a pair of exhibit halls occupied by business and general aviation companies. These include a broad cross-section of aircraft makers, such as Honda Aircraft, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, Cirrus Aircraft, Boeing, Textron Aviation, Daher, and Piper Aircraft. It would appear that some airframers may have opted to gravitate to Aero Friedrichshafen as a change from attending May’s Geneva-based EBACE show, which this year will not include a static display of aircraft.
The Aero Friedrichshafen exhibitor list also boasts a rich array of Europe’s leading business aviation service providers, including multiple aircraft charter and management groups, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul specialists. Among those exhibiting are Aero-Dienst, ACC Columbia Jet Service, Augsburg Air Service, DAS Private Jets, DC Aviation, Delta Interior, ExecuJet, FAI Aviation, Jet Aviation, and Rheinland Air Service.
<figure role="group" class="caption caption-img">
<img alt="Aero Friedrichshafen show" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ed34fc2e-122a-4491-803f-3da2a0683bcf" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Anlagenplan_AERO2025_Frontal.jpg" width="2500" height="1500" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>The business aviation enclave at Aero Friedrichshafen features a new Dome structure for exhibitors.</figcaption>
</figure>

Overall, the show now draws approaching 700 exhibitors from 35 countries, and 32,000 attendees are expected to pass through the gates. On Saturday, April 12, the event will close with a public day, including a flying display.
<h2>European Bizav Could Use a Boost</h2>
At Aero Friedrichshafen, the German Business Aviation Association will be articulating the case for an industry that feels increasingly embattled and scapegoated by European political leaders. The group is part of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), which has accused the European Commission of <a href="https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2025-02-04/ebaa-leader-says-attacks-bizav-stifle-european-growth">discriminatory policies</a>, including the exclusion of the sector from the European Union’s sustainability taxonomy.
In January, EBAA joined forces with the General Aviation Manufacturers Association to publish a report making the case that restrictions on business aviation could cost Europe’s economy up to €120 billion (nearly $126 billion) in foreign direct investment and 104,000 jobs. The findings were based on research by Oxford Economics, which said the industry contributes around €100 billion to the European Union’s GDP each year and warned that Germany is one of several countries that could be impacted most severely.
Rather than imposing taxes targeting business aircraft, along with new slot restrictions and bans on short-haul flights, EBAA is arguing that Europe’s politicians should seek to harness the industry’s resolve to introduce carbon-reducing technology. Based on around 400,000 business aircraft departing 1,000 European airports each year that each fly an average of 800 kilometers (432 nm), EBAA and GAMA estimate that this activity accounts for just 0.8% of all aviation industry carbon emissions.
Meanwhile, German industry leaders are cautiously hoping for greater understanding of their plight with Friedrich Merz, a noted aircraft owner and pilot, set to become the country’s new chancellor after his CDU party achieved the largest number of parliamentary seats in the February 23 election. That said, Merz, who has faced criticism for his use of his Diamond DA62 aircraft for business and personal trips, may have too many other priorities in the face of looming political, security, and economic crises.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

European Business Aviation Seeks Boost from Aero Friedrichshafen Show

April 9 to 12 event in southern Germany features an enlarged enclave for business aviation 

Growing numbers of business aircraft manufacturers and service providers are opting to exhibit at the annual Aero Friedrichshafen show in southern Germany.

European Bizav Seeks Boost from Aero Friedrichshafen Show

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Howard Hardee

News and issues relating to international air transport and cargo carriers, national airlines and regional airlines, including aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

BCA leader Stephanie Pope talks propulsion and production ahead of Farnborough

Boeing Keeps an Open Mind on Open-fan as It Rebuilds 737 Output

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Engineering specialist supports UK sovereign capability and logistics

Amentum Sharpens Focus on UK Defense Objectives

Curt Epstein

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

The company became a Pilatus sales center in 2018

Cutter Aviation Reaches Pilatus Delivery Century Mark

Amy Wilder

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

Aero Friedrichshafen 2025

In this article

Gulfstream G400/G500/G600

Challenger 300/350/3500

Falcon 2000 Series

Pilatus PC-24

Gulfstream

Bombardier

Dassault

Pilatus Aircraft

More In Aircraft

Boeing Keeps an Open Mind on Open-fan as It Rebuilds 737 Output

BCA leader Stephanie Pope talks propulsion and production ahead of Farnborough

Amentum Sharpens Focus on UK Defense Objectives

Engineering specialist supports UK sovereign capability and logistics

Cutter Aviation Reaches Pilatus Delivery Century Mark

The company became a Pilatus sales center in 2018

Textron Aviation Bringing Bit of Color to AirVenture 2026

King Air 360 Crimson Edition, Citation CJ3 Gen2 make AirVenture debut

Korean Air Selects Global 6500s for Govt Contract

The two Bombardier Globals come in addition to four special-mission 6500s announced in October

AircraftPost: Preowned Bizjet Sales, Additions Dip in 1H

502 business jets sold while 728 were added to the market through June in 2026

MEBAA Show 2026 in Dubai Marks Association’s 20th Year

Bombardier, Dassault Aviation among confirmed exhibitors

Embraer’s Commercial Backlog Soars as E-Jet Output Climbs

OEM expects smoother E-Jet delivery cadence in 2027

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN