ILA Berlin 2026 in Berlin, Germany

ILA Berlin 2026 is a rare format where a powerful B2B trade fair for the aerospace and aviation industry comes together with a real air show and a public programme. This is where manufacturers, suppliers, military organisations, academia, and startups meet to showcase aircraft, discuss technologies, and build partnerships.

The main stage is Berlin ExpoCenter Airport, a venue next to BER, where airfield infrastructure is literally right there: aircraft and systems can be discussed—and also seen live in static displays and the flying programme.

The venue was designed specifically for aviation events: the main exhibition areas are estimated at around 250,000 m², including halls, equipment demo zones, and large open-air spaces.

Video about ILA Berlin: feel the show atmosphere

A short video makes one thing clear: there is truly a lot of aircraft, people, and momentum here— not just booths and slide decks.

About ILA Berlin 2026: who will find it especially valuable

ILA Berlin works equally well for those who come for contracts and for those who want to experience the scale of aviation and space at arm’s length.

• Manufacturers and OEMs

  Presenting new developments, meeting customers and suppliers, discussing modernisation programmes and sustainable technologies.

• Suppliers and engineering companies

  Access to procurement teams of major players, strengthening supply chains, showcasing materials, components, systems, and services.

• Defence sector and public authorities

  Security technologies, unmanned systems, solution interoperability, and dialogue with industry and the research community.

• Space companies and research organisations

  The Space Pavilion as a public showcase—and the conversation about how space affects connectivity, climate, security, and digitalisation.

• Students and early-career professionals

  Career activities, Talent tracks, and a chance to see the industry from the inside—not just through videos and presentations.

History of ILA Berlin: one of the world’s oldest air shows

ILA Berlin traces its history back to 1909 and is often described as one of the oldest aviation exhibitions in the world. Today, the show is held every two years in even-numbered years, keeping its core idea intact: showcasing the evolution of aviation and space “on the ground and in the sky”.

Over the years, ILA has repeatedly been a place where new technologies moved from labs into industry, and the conversation about the future of aviation happened at once on stage, at stands, and right next to aircraft in the static display.

Benefits of ILA Berlin: scale, numbers, and rare proximity to aircraft

ILA Berlin has a strong trump card that many trade fairs lack: real demonstrations on a vast site where aviation is not “in theory”, but right beside you.

• ILA 2024 results

  In 2024, the show welcomed around 95,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors from 31 countries. It also reported 200 high-level delegations from 60 countries.

• Exhibition area and the scale of demonstrations

  Organiser materials and industry overviews mention a display area of around 150,000 m², as well as about 100 aircraft available to view on the ground and in the air.

• A strong business programme

  In 2024, five ILA STAGES hosted hundreds of speakers. This means you do not just “look around”—you understand where the industry is going: from climate and digitalisation to defence priorities and space missions.

6 major companies at ILA Berlin 2026 : who to look for on site

Organisers highlight big-name participation in advance. That is a strong signal for visitors: you are coming to a place where the industry’s leaders present first.

• Airbus

  One of the key players in European aviation and defence programmes. At ILA, the company regularly uses the platform to talk about technology, sustainable aviation, and new concepts for security and aviation systems.

• Boeing

  A global brand that draws attention from professionals and media alike. Boeing’s participation adds international weight to the event and sharpens the competition of ideas around efficiency, safety, and technology.

• Lufthansa Technik

  A name well known across MRO and aviation engineering services. At the show, companies like this are valued for practical expertise: maintenance, upgrades, digital solutions, and operational reliability.

• MTU Aero Engines

  German engineering excellence in engine design and efficiency technologies. For visitors, it is a magnet for discussions about thrust, sustainable fuels, and how engines are evolving to meet climate targets.

• Rolls-Royce

  One of the most recognisable brands in engines and power solutions for aviation. At ILA, its presence is often linked to conversations about technological sovereignty, innovation, and the next generation of propulsion systems.

• Safran

  A major international supplier of aerospace systems. Safran’s participation matters for buyers and engineers: stands like this often go deep into components, avionics, systems, and how supply chains are reshaping for new requirements.

Tips for ILA Berlin 2026 visitors: how to plan a day you will remember

ILA Berlin 2026 is the kind of event where it is easy to overload yourself with impressions. A few practical tips help you build a route without the rush.

• Start with a “day skeleton”

  Pick 2–3 key sessions on the ILA STAGES and block time for the static display. That way you get both the content and the hardware—without roaming the site with no plan.

• Step into the Space Pavilion

  This is where space is presented as practical: climate, connectivity, security, digitalisation, and real missions that shape everyday life.

• Look for the Future Lab if you are into next-gen tech

  The agenda here centres on climate neutrality, innovation, and how the industry is moving toward emissions-reduction goals.

• Use matchmaking and meetings if you are B2B

  ILA offers dedicated formats for scheduled meetings and negotiations. In these slots, you can achieve more in an hour than in a week of emails.

• A little secret for photos and wow moments

  Get to the static display early: fewer people, better shots, and a chance to talk calmly with stand staff before the crowds really build.

Which solution categories are featured at ILA Berlin 2026

Officially, ILA Berlin is structured around segments that cover the full value chain of the aerospace industry.

• Aviation

  Civil aviation, sustainable technologies, new propulsion systems, digital solutions, and operational efficiency.

• Space

  Space programmes, satellite technologies, Earth observation, practical solutions for climate, security, and communications.

• Defence & Support

  Security systems, defence technologies, projects and solutions, including modern fields like unmanned systems and AI-enabled support.

• Advanced Air Mobility

  Unmanned systems and eVTOL, new air-mobility use cases, and infrastructure.

• Supplier

  The international supply chain—components, materials, services, and connections between suppliers and OEM/tier-1 procurement teams.

How to take part in ILA Berlin 2026 as an exhibitor

If you are considering ILA Berlin 2026 as a platform for sales and visibility, it is important to choose your exhibition format early: halls, outdoor areas, special zones, and business options for negotiations.

• Choose your placement type

  ILA offers options in halls and outdoors, including themed areas. For outdoor exhibits, organisers specify minimum rental parameters, as well as requirements for structure height and approvals.

• Design the stand as a meeting space

  Aerospace trade fairs value functionality: space for conversations, demos, materials, and calm meetings with procurement teams.

• Prepare the technical side early

  Logistics, permits, power, structural requirements, and documentation deadlines are critical here—especially if you are showcasing large exhibits.

If you want to get on site quickly and confidently, consider exhibition stand rental or stand construction by ESBAU — a professional exhibition stand builder in Europe, experienced in delivering clean B2B-focused solutions under strict regulations.