11 January 2024
Regular readers will know we’re big fans of the AERO trade fair for General Aviation held at Friedrichshafen, Germany every April. Not just the show itself but the whole area is spectacular – and the weather is usually good.
For 2024’s 30th anniversary event, more slots are available for visitors, whether trade or enthusiasts, to fly in using their own aircraft, said the AERO organisers recently.
“Those interested in arrival and departure slots during the trade fair (17-20 April) have to register in advance via the online booking system from 15 February 2024,” said the organisers.
“They will then be automatically informed by the booking system from mid-March on that they can now book and pay for the mandatory arrival and departure slots for the trade fair period.
“Mandatory pre-registration in the booking system ensures a fair distribution of available slots. Users can also change their data and slots in their account. As in previous years, pilots flying to AERO will again receive a free 1-day trade fair ticket.
“When booking a slot, pilots are charged the slot reservation fee. All other services such as landing fees and parking fees are invoiced after the show. All changes made by the pilot up to departure that have an effect on the fee to be paid will therefore be billed once and transparently.
“As last year, pilots will be asked for their license at the crew tent before departure and this will be checked. It will also be checked whether passengers have been registered in advance. Passengers who are not accompanied by a pilot will be denied access to the airport grounds.
The FLYER team has occasionally flown to AERO
“This is to ensure that no unauthorized persons enter the airport premises and to enable the authorities and the airport to keep track of who is on the airport premises.
“A shuttle service is available for pilots and their passengers from the crew tent to their aircraft. These shuttle vehicles must be used for security reasons and enable pilots and their passengers to transfer to their aircraft in comfort.”
Tobias Bretzel, AERO Show Director, added, “We are delighted to be able to offer AERO exhibitors and visitors more slots for the anniversary AERO than last year which is of particular importance to us. With a new process, we are making slot booking more customer-friendly and incorporating the experience of previous years into the new system.”
There are other airfields to fly into as well as the main Messe site at Friedrichshafen
The Markdorf glider field is available again in 2024. It’s located approximately 10km west of Friedrichshafen and will be available for microlight aircraft (three-axis, trikes and gyrocopters). Piston aircraft and motor gliders are not permitted on the site. Landing at Markdorf requires PPR and registration must be made at www.SFG-Markdorf.de. There is no customs clearance and no fuel available at Markdorf airfield.
Other airfields with direct shuttle services to the trade show are Mengen and Leutkirch. The local airfield of Konstanz is connected via the lake with a catamaran. The organisers offer dedicated combi-tickets for the show entrance and the catamaran. The airfield of Biberach can be used as alternative as it is well connected to the local train to Friedrichshafen Airport.
