In his chat with host Tom Heinkel, ILA Head of Sales & Exhibitions Gino Thiel reveals that the Berlin Air Show 2026 (10–14 June, BER) is already 70 % sold out—an unprecedented pace. Branding itself a “boutique aerospace show,” the ILA promises short distances, tech-heavy content and tailored partnership options instead of mega-fair overload. Growth since 2024: 95 000 visitors (+30 %), 600 exhibitors (+10 %), 100 aircraft on static display (+66 %) and 200 delegations from 60 countries. For 2026 expect a high-energy flying display, the crowd-pleasing A400M, the legendary Bundeswehr sunset party and unbeatable networking. Thiel can be reached via LinkedIn or ila-berlin.com.

Tom Heinkel
My guest today is Gino Thiel from the ILA right in the heart of Berlin. Welcome, Gino.

Gino Thiel
Thank you very much, Tom, for having me.

Tom Heinkel
In less than a year, in 2026, the ILA will take place—if I’m correct, from 10 to 14 June.
How far along are you? Is there still a lot to do or are you already fully booked?

Gino Thiel
We’re in record territory: about 70 percent of our floor space is already booked a year before the show—we’ve never been this far ahead.

Tom Heinkel
Wow, congratulations. You’re probably on the road a lot—you head Sales & Exhibitions at the ILA. How does one get that job? How long have you been with the ILA?

Gino Thiel
I’ve been with the ILA for a year and a half. I come from the trade-fair and entertainment sector: I started with a stand builder, then became a tour manager at a concert agency, later worked for international trade-fair and congress agencies—mostly in the medical field—had a brief stint at a start-up and finally joined Messe Berlin and the ILA.

Tom Heinkel
Can we look forward to seeing stars and bands performing on the runway, or would that raise security concerns?

Gino Thiel
No security concerns—more budget concerns. We’ll probably have to make do with a cover band.

Tom Heinkel
Okay. Or maybe the German Armed Forces band.

Gino Thiel
Something like that.

Tom Heinkel
Speaking of the Bundeswehr—one of the major exhibitors. What are the display highlights? What can visitors admire at the ILA? What are you personally most looking forward to?

Gino Thiel
The magic of our show lies in the setting at BER. We have a dedicated runway for the static display. Highlights include the Emirates A380 with its first-class cabin and the Beluga transporter, which you hardly ever get to see—let alone step inside—live.

Tom Heinkel
You usually only see the Beluga on final approach to Finkenwerder in Hamburg, so most visitors will have to come to Berlin.

Gino Thiel
And even then you’d need a very long arm to touch it.

Tom Heinkel
What facts and figures can you share—exhibitors, aircraft, delegations?

Gino Thiel
From 2022 to 2024 we recorded strong growth: attendance up 30 % to 95,000; exhibitors up 10 % to 600 from 31 countries; aircraft up 66 % to 100 in the static display; more than 850 journalists; and delegations up 26 % to 200 from 60 countries.

Tom Heinkel
Suppose I own a company and want to exhibit at the ILA—what can you offer me? A stand is obvious, but what else?

Gino Thiel
We see ourselves as a boutique aerospace show. Companies are tired of mega-events with endless walking and few leads. At our show they meet the decision-makers quickly. We focus on innovation and technology, curated together with the BDLI. Besides stands we offer partnership packages, stage slots, outdoor areas—even space for a satellite. We put together tailor-made packages.

Tom Heinkel
Is defence still a major topic? Will the A400M be on display? And is everything deadly serious, or can you have some fun too?

Gino Thiel
Fun is definitely part of it. In addition to the flying display we host the legendary Bundeswehr party—unique worldwide. The sound system is set up in the open cargo ramp of an A400M and we all celebrate on the apron at sunset with cold drinks.

Tom Heinkel
Where can people find you and more information?

Gino Thiel
LinkedIn is best. Website: www.ila-berlin.com—there you can calculate stand sizes and register directly, no fax machines required.

Tom Heinkel
If anyone can’t find you, they can contact me. You’ll surely be at other airshows this year?

Gino Thiel
Yes—we’ve been practically everywhere: Mexico, the United States, China. Next on the list are Singapore and Dubai. Anyone who’s there should get in touch.

Tom Heinkel
Roughly how many German companies are typically on site?

Gino Thiel
There is always a German Pavilion in Singapore and Dubai, usually with 20 to 30 companies.

Tom Heinkel
I hope I get invited to the Bundeswehr party and can grab a cold drink. We’re also giving away tickets—details soon on LinkedIn via the Aerospace Manager Podcast. Famous last words?

Gino Thiel
If you haven’t experienced the ILA yet, come along—whether for business or with the family at the weekend. It’s a unique experience. Many visitors came with their parents as kids and have been fans ever since—that says it all.

Tom Heinkel
That was Gino Thiel from the ILA Berlin. The show runs from 10 to 14 June 2026 at Berlin-Schönefeld. Thanks for your time—see you there at the latest.

Gino Thiel
Or in Singapore or Dubai—take your pick!

Tom Heinkel
I’ll think about it—that’s a long way.

Gino Thiel
Thanks a lot, Tom.

Tom Heinkel
My pleasure. Bye.