Event review: AERO Friedrichshafen 2026

Discussions throughout the event confirmed that certification processes for electric aircraft are already progressing, while airports and infrastructure stakeholders are intensifying efforts to prepare for future electrified operations. In parallel, there were extensive discussions around the electrification of ground operations vehicles and the evolving role of airports as future energy hubs integrating charging infrastructure, energy management, and grid interaction.

The event also demonstrated that the electric aviation market continues to mature, with growing engagement from aircraft manufacturers, airports, charging infrastructure providers, and energy stakeholders. At the same time, the sector still faces key challenges related to infrastructure deployment, operational harmonization, and system interoperability.

To scale electric aviation successfully, three priorities remain:

In this context, interoperability remains a critical success factor. Without globally harmonized standards, charging infrastructure risks becoming fragmented across manufacturers, airports, and regional markets, increasing complexity and slowing adoption.

CharIN continues to advocate for open and standardized charging ecosystems that enable scalability, investment certainty, and seamless user experiences across all forms of electric transport. Building on its expertise in CCS, MCS, Plug & Charge, and bidirectional charging technologies, CharIN actively contributes to discussions around cross-industry charging harmonization and the integration of aviation into the broader e-mobility ecosystem.