AERO South Africa will return for its sixth edition from 10–12 June 2026, bringing the continent’s general aviation community together at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg. The event has become a key fixture on the Southern African aviation calendar, uniting manufacturers, operators, service providers and innovators in a single, high-energy business environment.
Organised by Messe Frankfurt South Africa in partnership with Fairnamic GmbH, the show has steadily grown into the region’s leading general aviation trade platform. With each edition, it strengthens its role as a connector across the aviation value chain, enabling everything from aircraft sales and maintenance partnerships to training and technological collaboration.
Set against the operational backdrop of Lanseria International Airport, AERO South Africa 2026 is designed to deliver more than a traditional exhibition. It is positioning itself as a dynamic meeting ground where aviation business and aviation innovation converge in real time.
This year’s programme reflects a deliberate expansion in scope and ambition. According to Show Director Louise Olckers, the event has been structured to deepen business engagement while showcasing emerging technologies, promoting operational excellence and supporting the continued growth of African aviation. The emphasis is firmly on meaningful interaction rather than passive attendance, with curated opportunities for stakeholders to connect and collaborate.
Visitors can expect a comprehensive exhibition floor featuring aircraft manufacturers, avionics specialists, maintenance organisations, aviation training institutions, finance providers, insurers, airports and technology companies. The diversity of participants reflects the complexity of modern aviation operations, where ownership, safety, compliance and performance are increasingly interconnected.
Static aircraft displays will allow attendees to examine aircraft up close, while drone demonstration flights and live product showcases will highlight the rapid pace of technological advancement in both manned and unmanned aviation. Interactive symposiums will further enrich the experience, giving industry professionals direct access to the latest thinking shaping general aviation, business aviation and aviation services across the continent.
A notable highlight of the 2026 edition will be the first South African Customer Connect event hosted by Pratt & Whitney Canada. This dedicated engagement platform will bring operators, owners, maintenance organisations and aviation stakeholders face-to-face with the company’s leadership and technical experts. The programme is expected to deliver valuable insights into product development, service support strategies and future propulsion technologies, while also strengthening regional relationships within the aviation ecosystem.
Safety will also take centre stage through the introduction of the Safety Symposium powered by PilotInsure. Developed with a pilot-first approach, the symposium will bring together aviation professionals to address the real-world operational challenges of flying in Southern Africa. Through expert-led discussions and collaborative dialogue, the initiative aims to reinforce safety culture and elevate operational awareness across all levels of the industry.
Business development remains a core driver of the event, with the Business Matchmaking Programme returning as a key feature. By facilitating structured meetings between exhibitors, buyers, operators, investors and decision-makers, the programme is designed to convert networking into tangible outcomes. Past editions have demonstrated its effectiveness in generating meaningful partnerships and accelerating commercial opportunities.
The Speakers Theatre will serve as another focal point, offering a platform for thought leaders and technical experts to explore the industry’s most pressing issues. Topics will span aviation technology, regulatory developments, training, maintenance practices, operational efficiency and emerging market opportunities, with a strong emphasis on the future trajectory of Southern African aviation.
AERO South Africa 2026 arrives at a time when the aviation sector is navigating rapid transformation driven by technology, sustainability considerations and evolving business models. Against this backdrop, the event positions itself as both a showcase and a catalyst, connecting the people and organisations shaping the next phase of aviation development across the continent.
With 66 confirmed exhibitors, including 11 international participants, the exhibition floor reflects the global and regional strength of the industry. Confirmed exhibitors include ABSA, Heliserve, Absolute Aircraft Sales, HYDAC Technology, Aeronautical Aviation, Intrepid Capital, African Pilot, Jetglow, Air Power Inc, Kyleworth Aerospace Motors and Technology, ATNS, Aircraft Finance Corporation, LINKAVIA, Alfons Haar South Africa, Loutzavia Aircraft Sales, Axis Aviation, Mayday, BAC Logistics, Mogale City Local Municipality, Blackhawk, Mozjet International Handling Services, BMW South Africa, Next Aviation, Boldman Logistics, NTSU Aviation Solutions, Bristell Aircraft SA, Optimotiv, CAASA, Pilatus PC-12 Centre Southern Africa, Cabin Crew, Plane Maintenance Facility, Century Avionics, Pooleys Flight Equipment, CrossChecks, CSA Aviation, PSG Insure Meesterplan, Devex Development, Puma Energy South Africa, Santam, DJA Aviation, Savannah Aircraft Africa, Eagle Motor City, Sky Time, Elevate (Her) Aviation, Sling Aircraft, Executive Aircraft Refurbishment, SSASS Holdings, Flybywire Aviation Art, StandardAero, FlyMachine Global, TRD Aviation, Flynia, uAvionix, ForeFlight, University of South Africa, Fuelco SA, Vektor Aviation, Garmin, Wings n Things, Girls Fly Africa, World Airnews, Global Specialised Vehicles, World Fuel and Hadid International Services FZE.
As AERO South Africa prepares for take-off once again at Lanseria, it reinforces its identity as more than an exhibition. It is a convergence point for ambition, innovation and collaboration, where the future of African aviation is not only discussed but actively shaped.
