F-AIR 2025 Wraps with 58,000+ Attendees, Cements Colombia’s Role as Regional Aerospace Leader

Photo Credits: F-AIR Columbia

The twelfth edition of the International Aeronautical and Space Fair (F-AIR 2025) concluded with a powerful message: Colombia is ready to lead the future of aviation and aerospace in Latin America. Held from July 9–13 at José María Córdova International Airport, the event drew 58,862 visitors from across Colombia and abroad, delivering five dynamic days of innovation, strategic partnerships, aerial displays, and technological showcases. 

Organised by the Civil Aviation Authority and the Colombian Aerospace Force (FAC), and executed by logistics partner Corferias, F-AIR 2025 brought together more than 230 companies from the global aerospace industry, reinforcing its status as one of the region’s premier aviation events. 

By the Numbers 

• Visitors: 58,862 

• Exhibiting Companies: 230 

• National: 76% 

• Based in Antioquia: 45% 

• International: 24% 

• Business Meetings: 516 

• Fairground Area: 90,000 m² 

• Commercial Exhibition Area: 7,200 m² 

• Public Seating Capacity: 5,000 

• Public Seating Capacity: 5,000 

These figures highlight the event’s direct contribution to industry visibility, innovation, and commercial growth. 

Sweden Takes Centre Stage 

As the guest country of honour, Sweden impressed with its cutting-edge aeronautical technologies, headlined by the Gripen fighter jets, symbols of next-generation combat aviation. Sweden’s participation bolstered bilateral ties in innovation, defence, and sustainability, showcasing its strategic importance as a partner in Colombia’s aerospace advancement. 

Colombia’s Commitment to Sustainable Aviation 

Sustainability emerged as a key theme. Colombia formally joined the ICAO ACT-SAF programme, a global initiative promoting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF).

Notable developments included: 

• The ‘SAF Vuela’ agreement between Ecopetrol and the Civil Aviation Authority to spearhead national SAF production.

• New memoranda of understanding with Aruba, LATAM Airlines, and Fedepalma, establishing Colombia as a regional leader in aviation decarbonisation. 

Forging Global Strategic Alliances 

F-AIR 2025 also served as a platform for high-level collaborations: 

• United Kingdom: Joint projects in SAF feedstock development and tourism initiatives in San Andrés and Tolú. 

• EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency): Continued cooperation on operational safety frameworks. 

• SAAB (Sweden): Launch of a pilot project for a digital control tower in Villavicencio. 

• Airbus: Discussions on expanding air ambulance capabilities, sustainability solutions, and establishing a maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) centre in Colombia. 

In parallel, authorities announced the modernisation of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) regulations to enhance their use in agriculture, surveillance, logistics, and emergency response. 

International Congress and Aerial Emergency Response Upgrades 

The FAC hosted the inaugural International Congress of Aeronautical Logistics Chiefs of the Americas, attended by delegates from nine countries, including the U.S., Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico. The congress provided a vital forum for sharing best practices in aeronautical maintenance, logistics, and materials management.

In a major step toward emergency preparedness, the Colombian Aerospace Force signed a $150 billion COP agreement with the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management to acquire two Firehawk helicopters, equipped for firefighting, aeromedical evacuation, and rescue missions. 

Breathtaking Aerial Displays 

F-AIR 2025 thrilled attendees with adrenaline-fueled air shows. Notable performers included: 

• Texan Squadron, Kfir Darts, and Arpía 51 with their high-risk aerial manoeuvres. 

• The Águila de Gules parachute team and the U.S. Air Force’s Wings of Blue, showcasing expert freefall demonstrations from 10,000 feet. 

• Crowd-favourites like the F-39 Gripen and KC-390 from the Brazilian Air Force, and the Viper Demo Team’s F-16s from the U.S. Air Force added international flair. 

The Colombian Aerospace Force used the platform to present its advancements in space-based technology, sovereignty-building tools, and innovation-driven defence systems. Socially oriented projects were also in focus, reinforcing the FAC’s ongoing commitment to community development and national resilience. 

With high-level partnerships, and a forward-thinking agenda, F-AIR 2025 proved to be more than an exhibition, it was a strategic milestone. Colombia is charting a clear path toward a cleaner, safer, and more technologically advanced aviation industry, positioning itself firmly as Latin America’s emerging aerospace hub.