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History & About us

ILA's journey through time: from the world's first aviation exhibition in 1909 to ILA Berlin 2026, year by year.

With its Aviation, Space and Defence sectors, ILA Berlin covers the entire value chain of the aerospace industry. With our additional focus areas Supplier, UAS, start-ups and Talent Hub, ILA offers a holistic view of the aerospace sector and beyond.

The European Commission is once again the strategic partner of ILA Berlin in 2026. This partnership strengthens Europe's technological leadership and paves the way for a sustainable future of aerospace under the motto “Airborne in Europe”.

ILA Berlin · 1909–2026

Pioneering Aerospace since 1909

From the first free balloon ascents in 1909 to the global aerospace platform at BER: more than 115 years of aviation history, stop by stop.

Read the chronicle

1909–1935

Pioneer Era

1909: The world's first dedicated aviation exhibition

Frankfurt am Main

500 exhibitors · 1.5 million visitors · 100 days (10 July – 17 October)

The history of ILA begins with the first Internationale Luftschifffahrt-Ausstellung (International Airship Exhibition), held in Frankfurt am Main from 10 July to 17 October 1909. It was not only the world's first dedicated aviation exhibition but also the first international platform for technical exchange in the young field of aviation. After just one year of preparation, a fascinated public and expert audience were presented with a comprehensive overview of the state of airship construction and aviation technology in Germany in the summer of 1909: over a period of 100 days, 500 exhibitors showed airships, aircraft and balloons that captivated 1.5 million visitors. The star of the exhibition was an aircraft built by the Wright brothers, brought to Frankfurt for a week from demonstration flights in Berlin.

Historical photo of ILA 1909: The world's first dedicated aviation exhibition — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1911: The cradle of aviation in Berlin-Brandenburg

Frankfurt am Main / Berlin

Following the first ILA, numerous flying clubs joined forces in April 1910 to form the German Aviators' League at the suggestion of August Euler. One year later, the Association of German Aircraft Industrialists was founded in Frankfurt am Main – establishing the direct link between ILA and what would later become the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), a connection that endures to this day. Ever since Lilienthal's first flight experiments, the history of Berlin-Brandenburg has been closely interwoven with developments in national and international aviation. Against this backdrop, the successor to the first ILA took place at the 'cradle of human flight': in Berlin.

1912: Bestseller „Gelber Hund“

Berlin, Great Exhibition Hall at the Zoo

25 flying machines · 7 airships

In 1912, the Allgemeine Luftfahrzeug-Ausstellung (ALA) in Berlin presented a showcase of German aviation technology. For the first time, aeroplanes outnumbered airships: 25 flying machines were on display alongside seven airships. Every renowned aircraft manufacturer of the era was represented in Berlin. One highlight: August Euler's biplane „Gelber Hund“ (“Yellow Dog”), which within a very short time bore a sign reading “Sold eight times in one day”.

Historical photo of ILA 1912: Bestseller „Gelber Hund“ — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1928: “Oktoberfest” beneath the Radio Tower

Berlin, beneath the Radio Tower

19 countries · 150 aircraft · 40 aircraft in a star flight

In 1928, the first Internationale Luftfahrtausstellung after the end of the First World War took place – once again in Berlin. At the time, the public was still celebrating the first east–west crossing of the Atlantic by a Junkers W 33 “Bremen” with its crew of Köhl, von Hünefeld and Fitzmaurice – an achievement that also drew American attention to the capabilities of German aviation technology. The event was organised by the Reich Association of the German Aviation Industry together with the City of Berlin's exhibition, trade fair and tourism office. Industry from 19 countries presented itself in three exhibition halls. Every German aircraft manufacturer of standing showed its latest developments, from the light BFW M 21 to the four-engined Dornier Superwal. A special attraction of ILA 1928 was a star flight of 40 aircraft converging on Berlin-Tempelhof.

Historical photo of ILA 1928: “Oktoberfest” beneath the Radio Tower — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1932: The sporting side of flying

Berlin-Tempelhof

100 aircraft

The next aviation event, in 1932, was devoted entirely to the sporting side of flying. Highlights included a design study for a “flying car” by Ludwig and Mertens and the “weekend aircraft of the future” – a flying boat with a spacious cabin. 100 aircraft from all over Germany took off for the “great DELA flying day with air races” at Berlin-Tempelhof airport. The DELA would remain Germany's last major aviation exhibition for a long time: during the era of National Socialist rule there was no ILA. It took a quarter of a century before products and technologies of the aviation industry went on display again.

Historical photo of ILA 1932: The sporting side of flying — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1945–1955

Zero Hour

1945: Aircraft production prohibited

Germany

10 years at a standstill

In 1945, the Allied Control Council imposed a ban on the development and production of aircraft in Germany. It took ten years for Germany to regain sovereignty over its airspace.

Historical photo of ILA 1945: Aircraft production prohibited — © ILA Berlin / Messe Berlin

1955: Aviation makes its comeback

Germany

Lufthansa takes to the skies again. The Bundeswehr is founded. Germany regains sovereignty over its airspace.

Historical photo of ILA 1955: Aviation makes its comeback — © RuthAS

1957–1990

Hanover

1957: A fresh start at Hanover-Langenhagen

Hanover-Langenhagen Airport

17 exhibitors · 24 aircraft · 20,000 visitors

When Germany regained sovereignty over its airspace after the Second World War in 1955, the ground was laid for an “International Touring Aircraft Show”, held in 1957 as part of the Hanover industrial fair at Langenhagen Airport. It was the forerunner of an ILA tradition in Hanover that would last more than thirty years. Although only 17 exhibitors took part, the show was a success: 24 aircraft were on display, around 20,000 visitors were counted over the four days, and business was good. The decision was taken to hold an aviation exhibition every year – the path for the post-war ILA was cleared.

Historical photo of ILA 1957: A fresh start at Hanover-Langenhagen — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1958: The “special show”

Hanover-Langenhagen Airport

54 companies

At the end of the 1950s, Germany's resurgent aviation industry wanted a forum that went beyond touring aviation. To this end, the BDLI – founded in 1955 as the successor to the Reich Association of the German Aviation Industry – launched the “Special Show for Aviation Equipment, Aviation Supplies and Accessories” in 1958, parallel to the German Industrial Fair. 54 companies came to Hanover-Langenhagen Airport. The German exhibitors presented 13 post-war sports and touring aircraft, two gliders and the Fouga Magister, the first jet trainer for the German Air Force built under German licence. Foreign exhibitors brought 15 sports and touring aircraft to Hanover. The Autoflug company drew attention with the demonstration of an ejection seat.

Historical photo of ILA 1958: The “special show” — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1959: The “Deutsche Luftfahrtschau”

Hanover

16 German aircraft · 15 foreign aircraft · admission: 2 deutschmarks

The 1959 exhibition was opened by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ludwig Erhard. From then on it bore the name “Deutsche Luftfahrtschau” (German Aviation Show). Visitors paid an admission fee of two deutschmarks and could admire 16 German sports and touring aircraft – such as the Dornier Do 27 and the RW 3 by Rhein-Flugzeugbau – as well as 15 foreign aircraft including the Italian Falco F8L and the American Helio H 391B “Courier”. Several major companies, however, were still absent from the first “Deutsche Luftfahrtschau”.

Historical photo of ILA 1959: The “Deutsche Luftfahrtschau” — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1960: The breakthrough

Hanover

170 companies · 8 countries · 100,000+ visitors · 50+ aircraft sold

The breakthrough came in 1960: “The success of the German Aviation Show in Hanover has exceeded all expectations,” reported the German Press Agency. Sports and touring aircraft manufacturers, military aviation, helicopter producers, engine builders, suppliers: 170 companies from eight countries – and more than 100,000 visitors – came to Hanover. Federal Defence Minister Franz Josef Strauß opened the fair. More than 50 touring and sports aircraft were sold during the show. The Lockheed F-104 “Starfighter” jet fighter climbed tirelessly into the sky, while a Lufthansa Boeing 707 circled the runway almost daily. After the exhibition, the BDLI decided to hold the fair every two years, alternating with the Paris Air Show at Le Bourget.

Historical photo of ILA 1960: The breakthrough — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1962: Rapid growth

Hanover

237 exhibitors · 9 countries · 175,000 visitors

In 1962, the success of the “Deutsche Luftfahrtschau” was consolidated. The organisers welcomed 237 exhibitors from nine countries, and around 175,000 visitors were counted. While sports and touring aviation set the tone on the outdoor grounds, the halls focused on military aviation. The emerging space sector also claimed considerable space – including models for the third stage of the Black Prince satellite launcher, development work that would later flow into the Ariane rocket.

Historical photo of ILA 1962: Rapid growth — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1964: Innovation and expansion

Hanover

280 exhibitors · 15 nations · 100+ aircraft

In 1964 the “Deutsche Luftfahrtschau” continued to grow: 280 exhibitors from 15 nations presented their products – and more than 100 aircraft. A newly built third hall added a further third of covered exhibition space. The German VJ 101 vertical take-off aircraft celebrated its premiere; the experimental aircraft by Entwicklungsring Süd attracted great international attention. Visitors could also study the HFB 320 Hansajet by Hamburger Flugzeugbau, the first German series-built jet airliner. Space enthusiasts encountered a 1:2-scale model of the later European launcher Ariane, at the time still called Europa 1.

Historical photo of ILA 1964: Innovation and expansion — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1966: Europe grows together

Hanover

94 aircraft

Joint stands by the French aerospace industry association and the British Ministry of Aviation hinted in 1966 that Europe's aviation industry would cooperate more closely in future. 94 of the “world's most modern and interesting aircraft”, as one newspaper put it, gathered in Hanover: for example Dornier's “Skyservant”, a multi-purpose utility aircraft for transport and special missions, and the new C-160 Transall military transporter. As a special attraction, the organisers announced daily formation flights by the French, Italian and British air forces.

Historical photo of ILA 1966: Europe grows together — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1968: Spectacular premieres

Hanover

The undisputed star of the 1968 show was Dornier's experimental Do 31 E. The world's only transport aircraft capable of vertical take-off and landing thanks to its swivelling engines was flown before an astonished audience in Hanover. No less spectacular was the demonstration of the VFW-Fokker VAK 191 B, a reconnaissance and combat aircraft that likewise took off vertically.

Historical photo of ILA 1968: Spectacular premieres — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1970: East meets West

Hanover

~460 exhibitors · 14 countries

For the first time since the Second World War, the Soviet Union came to Hanover in 1970 with two aircraft: the Kamov Ka-26, a light multi-purpose helicopter with two contra-rotating three-blade rotors, and the Yakovlev Yak-40, a three-engined short-haul passenger jet. In total, almost 460 exhibitors from 14 countries travelled to Hanover. In the flying display, the British Hawker Siddeley “Harrier Mark 1” vertical take-off jet thrilled the crowds. Another premiere in 1970: unmanned aerial vehicles for civil and military special missions were presented for the first time.

Historical photo of ILA 1970: East meets West — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1972: Supersonic and loops

Hanover

The attraction of 1972 was the supersonic passenger aircraft by Russian designer Tupolev. His Tu-144 remained in Hanover for the entire exhibition – while the British-French Concorde made only a one-day guest appearance. In the flying display, the MBB Bo 105, the first multi-purpose helicopter series-produced in the Federal Republic, caused great excitement: a test pilot flew three consecutive loops – a feat otherwise possible only with propeller aircraft and small jets.

Historical photo of ILA 1972: Supersonic and loops — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1974: A300, VFW 614 and Alpha Jet celebrate their premieres

Hanover

In 1974, the Deutsche Luftfahrtschau celebrated a whole series of premieres: among them the European wide-body Airbus A300, built with major German involvement. The Alpha Jet trainer, developed in Franco-German co-production by Dornier and Dassault-Breguet, also introduced itself for the first time. Another keenly watched debutant proved how capable the German aviation industry had become: the VFW-Fokker VFW 614 short-haul jet airliner. In demonstration flights, test pilot Leif Nielsen showed off the compact jet's capabilities – after a rapid, steep take-off, the Airbus A300 and a Fokker F 28 suddenly appeared on either side of the aircraft at around 400 metres. German expertise in space was demonstrated by two full-scale mock-ups of the Spacelab space laboratory, designed for use aboard the US Space Shuttle.

Historical photo of ILA 1974: A300, VFW 614 and Alpha Jet celebrate their premieres — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1976: The Tornado introduces itself

Hanover

The main attraction of ILA 1976 was the Panavia Tornado – two examples of the new multi-role combat aircraft thrilled the crowds with brilliant flying displays. A vintage highlight: the restored Dornier Do 335A-02 with its distinctive rear propeller, brought back from the USA. Lufthansa flew its newest Airbus A300 to Hanover.

Historical photo of ILA 1976: The Tornado introduces itself — © Fred Willemsen

1978: The old and new ILA

Hanover

352 exhibitors · 13 countries · 230,000 visitors

In 1978 the aviation show regained its traditional name: ILA. Separating the Internationale Luft- und Raumfahrtausstellung from the Hanover Fair gave it greater independence. German Federal President Walter Scheel personally inspected the latest developments in Hanover. Almost 60 sports pilots gathered at Braunschweig Airport, from where they set off on the final leg of an ILA star flight. Almost 51,000 people attended the great ILA flying day on 4 May. The organisers counted a total of 230,000 visitors and 352 exhibitors from 13 countries: the old and new ILA was a resounding success.

Historical photo of ILA 1978: The old and new ILA — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1980: AWACS premiere

Hanover

The highlight: the Boeing 707 carrying the American AWACS command and surveillance system. Flying displays delighted young and old. A training cockpit was also on show. Aviation, evidently, is not just a man's business.

Historical photo of ILA 1980: AWACS premiere — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1982: World premiere of the A310

Hanover

In 1982, Federal Chancellor Helmut Schmidt became the first German head of government to open the ILA. Among the highlights he witnessed was the world premiere of the shortened Airbus wide-body A310. The Diamond I business jet by Mitsubishi Aircraft International and the Piper T-1040 commuter also celebrated premieres. Especially impressive was the display by the Patrouille de France aerobatic team, painting the Tricolore across the Hanover sky with eight Alpha Jets.

Historical photo of ILA 1982: World premiere of the A310 — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1984: Debut of the Speed Canard

Hanover

The crowd-pullers of ILA 1984 were – once again – the flying displays, with powered aerobatics, formation parachuting and the skills of five different aerobatic teams. One of the greatest technical attractions revived age-old ideas: Gyroflug Ingenieur-Gesellschaft presented the two-seat “Speed Canard”, a canard aircraft that at first glance seems to contradict conventional notions of what an aircraft should look like.

Historical photo of ILA 1984: Debut of the Speed Canard — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1986: “Tante Ju” takes the spotlight

Hanover

ILA 1986 was marked by a German-Chinese project: in Hanover, MBB signed an agreement with the People's Republic of China to jointly build a regional airliner. The 75-seat MPC-75 was to feature propfan engines, computer controls and composite wings – yet it was never built. The first quadri-national presentation of the “Jäger 90” also attracted great attention: the new fighter aircraft was present as a full-scale model. The true star of the fair, however, already had 50 years behind her: with its unmistakable drone, the legendary Junkers Ju 52 circled above Hanover. Only days earlier, “Tante Ju” (“Auntie Ju”) had begun her new lease of life after more than a year of restoration.

Historical photo of ILA 1986: “Tante Ju” takes the spotlight — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1988: The fly-by-wire revolution

Hanover

ILA 1988 extensively celebrated the German premiere of the “small” Airbus A320 for short and medium-haul routes, presenting its revolutionary fly-by-wire electronic controls. There was plenty of news in sports and touring aviation too: Beechcraft presented the Starship, prototype of its new aircraft generation, while Ruschmeyer unveiled its freshly completed MF-85 composite four-seater. The stand of the European Space Agency ESA became a crowd magnet: enthroned there was a full-scale model of the European spaceplane Hermes.

Historical photo of ILA 1988: The fly-by-wire revolution — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1990: After the fall of the Wall – farewell to Hanover

Hanover

The last ILA in Hanover

In 1990, the year after the fall of the Wall, Russian companies showed numerous innovations in Hanover: Tupolev presented its Tu-155 testbed with an engine that could run on either hydrogen or methane. Antonov impressed with its giant An-124 “Ruslan” transporter, Ilyushin with a propfan-equipped Il-76. Domestic companies also drew attention; Grob presented the G 520 Egrett reconnaissance aircraft. It was the last ILA in Hanover. The BDLI decided to move ILA to Berlin, the old and new German capital, and to reposition it as a leading international trade fair and congress event for the entire aerospace industry.

Historical photo of ILA 1990: After the fall of the Wall – farewell to Hanover — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1992–today

Berlin

1992: Back to Berlin

Berlin-Schönefeld (southern grounds)

517 exhibitors · 23 countries · 134,281 visitors

In 1992, 64 years after the last ILA in Berlin, the aerospace exhibition returned to its original home. The profound political and economic changes in Europe since the fall of the Berlin Wall made the move back to its historic location possible. At Berlin-Schönefeld Airport, ILA 1992 emphatically staked its claim as one of the world's leading aerospace exhibitions. As the easternmost aerospace fair in the West and the westernmost fair in the East, ILA took on a special hub function for East–West contacts in the aerospace sector. 517 exhibitors from 23 countries presented their current products to 134,281 visitors. Airbus seized the opportunity to present the flagship of European airliner construction, still in its flight-test programme: flown by Airbus test pilots Udo Günzel and Bill Wainwright, the Airbus A340 floated into Berlin for three days. Dornier presented its state-of-the-art 640 km/h 30-seater Do 328 at an air show for the first time. Aircraft of the CIS armed forces such as the Sukhoi Su-24 and the MiG-29, as well as German Air Force Tornados, impressed in the flying display, which has been subject to the strictest regulations since the Ramstein disaster of 1988.

Historical photo of ILA 1992: Back to Berlin — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1994: A tragedy overshadows ILA

Berlin-Schönefeld

422 exhibitors · 27 countries · 141,000 visitors

The business and market-oriented focus of the exhibition led to the “ILA means business” concept in 1994. Alongside the trade exhibition itself, with 422 exhibitors from 27 countries, it comprised an extensive conference programme and the globally unique East/West Aerospace Center, launched at ILA 1994. A dedicated East–West shuttle from Moscow enabled trade visitors from Eastern Europe to travel to Berlin and back in a single day. At the same time, under the slogan “Airlebnis ILA”, the fair offered its 141,000 visitors a highly attractive information and show programme. The Russian design bureau Myasishchev showed its M-55 Geophysica high-altitude research aircraft in the West for the first time. In the space action hall, visitors could experience a spacecraft's landing approach to Mars or Venus thanks to optical tricks. During a safety acceptance flight for the flying display on the day before ILA opened, Russian pilot Alexander Viatkin lost his life. His death led to the foundation of Stiftung Mayday, which has supported aviators in distress and their families ever since.

Historical photo of ILA 1994: A tragedy overshadows ILA — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1996: Eurofighter debut

Berlin-Schönefeld

578 exhibitors · 30 countries · 216,500 visitors · 240 aircraft

With a record participation of 578 exhibitors from 30 countries, ILA 1996 presented the full range of aerospace products and services. The Eurofighter EF 2000 was demonstrated in flight at an air show for the first time. The Airbus A319 and the new NATO NH 90 multi-role helicopter also celebrated their trade-fair premieres. In total, 216,500 visitors – including 75,000 trade visitors – streamed onto the exhibition grounds at Berlin-Schönefeld Airport.

Historical photo of ILA 1996: Eurofighter debut — © Messe Berlin GmbH

1998: Chasing records

Berlin-Schönefeld

825 exhibitors · 32 countries · 226,000+ visitors · 278 aircraft

With 825 exhibitors from 32 countries, more than 226,000 visitors (including 82,000 trade visitors) and 278 aircraft, ILA 1998 was the biggest and best-attended edition to date. No wonder – it was even advertised in space: during Space Shuttle mission STS-89 in January 1998, NASA astronaut Bonnie Dunbar greeted her Russian colleagues with an ILA flag after Endeavour docked with the Mir station. On the ground, ILA confirmed its standing as the central marketplace for every field of aerospace business, including the announcement and signing of deals worth tens of billions. The star of the flying display was Boeing's huge C-17 military transporter. The special exhibition “50 Years of the Berlin Airlift” honoured what remains the largest air transport operation of all time in a 1,500-square-metre special hall. And the highlight for space fans: a walk-in, full-scale model of the European Columbus Orbital Facility laboratory.

Historical photo of ILA 1998: Chasing records — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2000: The F-117 Nighthawk

Berlin-Schönefeld

941 exhibitors · 38 countries · 212,000 visitors · 316 aircraft

With landmark decisions for the European aerospace industry, ILA 2000 met the sector's high expectations – and offered the public the full fascination of flight with a world-class flying display: 212,000 visitors streamed onto the southern grounds of Berlin-Schönefeld Airport across three and a half trade visitor days. By the halfway mark, exhibitors had already reported contracts and options totalling more than 50 billion deutschmarks. ILA 2000 thus impressively confirmed its role as a key European marketplace for the entire aerospace industry. With a record participation of 941 exhibitors from 38 countries, ILA presented 316 aircraft alongside products, systems and services from across aerospace technology for seven days. The Patrouille de France aerobatic team thrilled the crowds – as did the Lockheed F-117 Nighthawk stealth bomber, never before seen at the show.

Historical photo of ILA 2000: The F-117 Nighthawk — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2002: Business is booming

Berlin-Schönefeld

1,067 exhibitors · 41 countries · 215,150 visitors · 340 aircraft

With deals and cooperation agreements worth billions, 1,067 exhibitors from 41 countries, 102,680 trade visitors from Germany and abroad and a total of 215,150 visitors, ILA 2002 once again confirmed its standing as a key European marketplace for the entire aerospace industry. A new record of 340 registered aircraft and a world-class flying display completed the picture. The Russian Beriev Be-200 amphibious aircraft could be inspected in Berlin for the first time. In the flying display, the 75-metre Zeppelin NT (New Technology), the world's largest and most modern airship, floated above an astonished audience. As a destination for political leaders, headed by Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, the fair underlined its importance as a platform for a strategic key industry.

Historical photo of ILA 2002: Business is booming — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2004: NATO's eastward enlargement

Berlin-Schönefeld

987 exhibitors · 42 countries · 120 parliamentarians from 22 countries

ILA 2004 was shaped by the eastward enlargement of NATO and the European Union. That year it welcomed more high-ranking delegations than ever before: 120 parliamentarians from 22 European countries were greeted at the show. Senior representatives from the new EU and NATO countries also used ILA 2004 for exchanging views. The defence ministers of Bulgaria, Georgia, Lithuania, Ukraine and Turkey took part in the “International Workshop on Global Security”. The four ministers responsible for the Airbus programme – from France, the United Kingdom, Spain and Germany – met for the Airbus ministerial conference. At 65 conferences, around 6,000 experts from every business segment of aerospace discussed current issues. 987 exhibitors from 42 countries presented the industry's current range of products and services on the southern grounds of Berlin-Schönefeld Airport for seven days.

Historical photo of ILA 2004: NATO's eastward enlargement — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2006: Marvelling at the A380

Berlin-Schönefeld

1,014 exhibitors · 42 countries · 251,000+ visitors · 115,000 trade visitors

ILA 2006 closed with an impressive visitor record. More than 251,000 visitors were registered from 16 to 21 May, including 115,000 trade visitors. Across six show days – a first – 1,014 exhibitors from 42 countries presented products, systems and processes from every field of the aerospace industry. The centre of attention was the Airbus A380, the largest airliner ever built, presented daily on the ground and in the air.

Historical photo of ILA 2006: Marvelling at the A380 — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2008: India in the spotlight

Berlin-Schönefeld

1,127 exhibitors · 37 countries · 120,000 trade visitors · 331 aircraft

Around 120,000 trade visitors explored Germany's largest temporary exhibition grounds, covering 250,000 square metres, and caught up on the latest trends at more than 100 accompanying conferences at ILA 2008. With a record participation of 1,127 exhibitors from 37 countries, products, systems and processes from every field of the aerospace industry were on show for six days. ILA 2008 was opened by Federal Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel. 331 aircraft of all sizes and categories were presented on the ground and in the air, including numerous premieres. Partner country India used its largest-ever appearance at an aerospace fair abroad to explore business opportunities and showcase its capabilities – including an artful flying display by its “Sarang” helicopter team.

Historical photo of ILA 2008: India in the spotlight — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2010: The record deal

Berlin-Schönefeld

1,153 exhibitors · 47 countries · 235,000 visitors · ~300 aircraft

At ILA 2010, 1,153 exhibitors from 47 countries presented an impressive showcase of products and services from every field of the aerospace industry. Around 235,000 visitors were registered over the course of the fair. Contracts and business agreements totalling at least 16.5 billion dollars (around 14 billion euros) were signed during the show. The largest order came from Emirates, which ordered 32 Airbus A380s at a total list price of around 11.5 billion dollars – at that point the largest single order in the history of civil aviation. Almost 300 aircraft were presented on the ground and in the air. World, European and ILA premieres included the new A400M military transporter, the CH-53GA (German Advanced) transport helicopter with state-of-the-art avionics, and the DLR H2 Antares, the world's first crewed aircraft to fly entirely CO2-free thanks to its fuel-cell propulsion.

Historical photo of ILA 2010: The record deal — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2012: A new home

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

1,243 exhibitors · 46 countries · 282 aircraft

In 2012, the state-of-the-art ILA venue, Berlin ExpoCenter Airport, was inaugurated right next to today's BER airport. At its premiere on the new exhibition grounds, ILA 2012 scored a perfect landing: with the largest participation in ILA's more than 100-year history, 1,243 exhibitors from 46 countries presented an impressive showcase of high-tech products from every field of the aerospace industry. Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel opened the fair. Seen at ILA for the first time: national display teams from Turkey and partner country Poland.

Historical photo of ILA 2012: A new home — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2014: The Space Pavilion

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

1,203 exhibitors · 37 countries · 60+ conferences

With the second-highest participation in its history, 1,203 exhibitors from 37 countries presented the full breadth of their current high-tech products and research and development projects. A particular highlight was the Space Pavilion, which vividly demonstrated the benefits of spaceflight for humanity to experts and the public alike. With more than 1,000 pre-arranged customer meetings, the International Suppliers Center proved an efficient marketing platform.

Historical photo of ILA 2014: The Space Pavilion — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2016: 3D printing takes off

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

1,017 exhibitors · 37 countries · 150,000 visitors

ILA 2016 took place at Berlin ExpoCenter Airport for the third time: 1,017 exhibitors from 37 countries showed a broad spectrum of their current high-tech products and research and development projects. 150,000 trade and private visitors flocked to ILA across the four show days. ILA 2016 was opened by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Sigmar Gabriel. Airbus presented T.H.O.R., the first aircraft made almost entirely by 3D printing.

Historical photo of ILA 2016: 3D printing takes off — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2018: Focus on the future

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

~1,100 exhibitors · 41 countries · 180,000 visitors · ~200 aircraft

With its targeted focus on future topics and technological developments, ILA 2018 evolved into the leading innovation fair for the aerospace industry. Around 180,000 trade and private visitors came to the airport from 25 to 29 April 2018, where around 1,100 exhibitors from 41 countries presented a broad spectrum of their current high-tech products and research and development projects. The Federal Government was well represented: Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel, accompanied by Transport Minister Andreas Scheuer, a visit by Thomas Jarzombek, the Federal Government's new aerospace coordinator, and Economics Minister Peter Altmaier. Visitors could marvel at around 200 aircraft, including the Emirates A380, the modern A350 and A340 BLADE airliners, the Airbus Beluga super transporter, Lufthansa's Boeing 747-8 and the Antonov 225, the largest transport aircraft in existence with its six engines. Military aircraft included the Eurofighter, the A400M military transporter, the Tiger combat helicopter, the French Rafale, the Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft from Japan and the state-of-the-art US F-35 multi-role fighter by Lockheed Martin. The heavy-lift CH-53K (Lockheed Martin) and CH-47 Chinook (Boeing) transport helicopters also drew particular attention.

Historical photo of ILA 2018: Focus on the future — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2020: Cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic

ILA 2020 had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

2022: Comeback after the pandemic

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

550 exhibitors · 80 countries · 72,500 visitors · 800+ journalists

In 2022 the European Commission became ILA's strategic partner, with the aim of strengthening Europe's technological leadership and paving the way for a sustainable future of aerospace under the motto “Airborne in Europe”. Around 72,500 visitors and 550 exhibitors from 80 countries took part, with more than 800 journalists on site. The ILA STAGES programme featured 360 speakers in expert talks, panel discussions and science slams on future trends.

Historical photo of ILA 2022: Comeback after the pandemic — © Messe Berlin GmbH / Foto: Johannes Zappe

2024: Record comeback

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

600 exhibitors · 31 countries · 95,000 visitors · 850+ journalists · 350 speakers

ILA 2024 marked the comeback of the two-year rhythm: 95,000 visitors, 600 exhibitors from 31 countries and more than 850 journalists. 350 speakers took to five ILA STAGES. The ILA Talent Hub counted 1,500 participants, 210 job offers and 40 partners. The European Commission once again served as strategic partner.

Historical photo of ILA 2024: Record comeback — © Messe Berlin GmbH

2026: Setting new benchmarks

Berlin ExpoCenter Airport (BER)

765 exhibitors · 37 nations · around 110,000 participants · 330 delegations from 60 countries · more than 400 speakers

ILA Berlin 2026 set new benchmarks with growing attendance and record international participation. The programme comprised 300 sessions, around 100 aircraft and 3,500 participants at the ILA Talent Hub.

Historical photo of ILA 2026: Setting new benchmarks — Foto: Messe Berlin / Sandra Prengel

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