ILA Berlin 2026 brings together international decision-makers from politics, industry, the armed forces, and research. On three STAGES, they will discuss competitiveness, technological sovereignty, and the future of aerospace.

Topics will range from climate-friendly propulsion systems and maintenance (MRO) to space missions and New Space, as well as drones and the expansion of the Bundeswehr. The stage program is one of the ILA’s unique selling points. During the trade visitor days from 10 to 12 June, the focus will be on current industry and security policy issues. Over the weekend, the program is tailored specifically to the general public.

The Transformation of Aviation

ILA STAGE Aviation focuses on the future of aviation, covering everything from sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and hydrogen technologies to new aircraft concepts. The program is complemented by topics such as lightweight carbon fiber composite construction, additive manufacturing, and the ongoing digitalization of the industry. Another key focus is on Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) as the backbone of aviation, as well as AI-driven approaches to the development of new materials.

The ILA STAGE Aviation will kick off with a presentation by Krzysztof Kuik, Director of “Clean Planet” at the European Commission, who will share insights into European research and innovation policy. Additional speakers include Dr. Johannes Bussmann, CEO of MTU Aero Engines, Heiko Holm, CTO of Condor, and many others.

Startup pitches and “Failup Night” will showcase the industry’s success stories, setbacks, and innovative approaches. On ILA Friday, the program is geared specifically toward the next generation of industry professionals: As part of the Talent Hub, the focus will be on topics related to career paths and entry-level opportunities. A particular highlight will be a Q&A session with Rabea Rogge, an astronaut on the SpaceX Fram2-Mission in 2025.

Space: Space Exploration as the Key to the Future and Resilience

From communication and navigation to climate monitoring and crisis management, the space sector is becoming increasingly important for society, the economy, and security. The Space Pavilion serves as the centerpiece of the space sector’s presence at the ILA. Its theme is “Space4Future,” and it is jointly organized by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI), the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and the European Space Agency (ESA). The focus here is on topics such as “Autonomy and Resilience,” “Exploration and Discovery,” and “Planet and Climate.”

Among those expected to attend the official opening at the ILA STAGE Space are Dorothee Bär, Federal Minister for Research, Technology, and Space, and Dr. Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency (ESA).  Other speakers include Dr. Walther Pelzer, Director General of the German Space Agency at the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and Michael Traut, Commander of the German Armed Forces Space Command, who will discuss the strategic importance, interdependencies, and military perspectives of space at the ILA STAGE Defence. In addition, active and former ESA astronauts are expected to attend, including Alexander Gerst and Matthias Maurer.

Air Defence, Drones, and Strategic Sovereignty

The Military Support Center (MSC) showcases the close collaboration between the Bundeswehr and industry in logistics and capability development. The ILA STAGE Defence is also located there. Speakers at the opening ceremony will include Holger Neumann, Inspector General of the German Air Force, and BDLI President Dr. Michael Schoellhorn, who will discuss current challenges and prospects in military aviation.  The focus will be on issues related to Europe’s security and operational capabilities—ranging from the Combat Cloud and AI-supported operations to manned-unmanned teaming and multinational cooperation.

Weekend Program for the General Public

During the weekend of 13–14 June, the ILA will open its doors specifically to the general public. Visitors will gain insights into the fascinating world of aerospace. Highlights include a keynote address by airline pilot Raja Katz, meet-and-greets with astronauts, and programs such as “A Day in the Life of a Soldier,” which vividly convey everyday life in the armed forces.

International Exchange

ILA Berlin 2026 features around 300 speakers across three stages and offers a packed program of panels, keynotes and discussions. ILA Berlin 2026 brings together technological developments and insights into industry and security policy.

ILA Berlin is open to trade visitors from 10–12 June and to the general public at the weekend (13–14 June). The full program is available online and is continuously updated. 

ILA Berlin: A top-notch program across three stages. Image: Messe Berlin

About ILA Berlin  

ILA Berlin is one of the world’s leading aerospace trade shows. It covers the aviation, space and defence sectors. Every two years, it brings together leading figures from industry, politics, research and the armed forces to exchange ideas and network. On its public days, it offers the general public the opportunity to experience the latest trends in aerospace. The next edition will take place from 10 to 14 June 2026 at BER Airport. ILA Berlin is organized by the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI) in cooperation with Messe Berlin GmbH. At the last edition in 2024, the ILA attracted around 95,000 participants from 60 countries, 600 exhibitors from 31 nations, 350 speakers and 200 international delegations. Its partners are the State of Brandenburg, the State of Berlin and Berlin-Brandenburg Airport.  

More details can be found at: www.ila-berlin.com

Press photos and videos can be found in our media database.

Press contacts:
BDLI
Florian von Hennet
ILA Spokesperson
Head of Politics & Communications
+49 30 206140 - 14
Von.hennet@bdli.de

Messe Berlin GmbH
Britta Wolters
ILA Spokesperson
Head of Brand Communication
+49 30 3038-2279
britta.wolters@messe-berlin.de

Emanuel Höger
Senior Vice President Communication
Messe Berlin Group
www.messe-berlin.de

Management Board: Dr. Mario Tobias (CEO), Dirk Hoffmann (COO)
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Dr. Eric Schweitzer
Companies register: Amtsgericht Charlottenburg, HRB 5484 B

Additional information:
www.ila-berlin.de 
www.bdli.de 
www.messe-berlin.de

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