Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
Pilot Expo 2027 is set to take place at SkyHall, Brussels Airport, from February 26 to 27. This dynamic two-day event focuses on air crew recruitment and training, providing a platform for industry professionals to connect and explore career opportunities.
Attendees can expect an extensive trade show, engaging workshops, and insightful conferences designed to enhance their knowledge and networking potential. Pilot Expo takes place in Brussels, BE.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: Pilot Expo 2027 takes place on February 26-27 at SkyHall, Brussels Airport.
- 2Scale and Focus: This event is dedicated to air crew recruitment and training, featuring a trade show and conferences.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by Avio Expo GmbH, with more details available on their website.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include aviation professionals, recruiters, and aspiring pilots seeking career opportunities.
- 5Entry: Registration details can be found on the official website.
Why visit
Pilot Expo 2027 offers a unique opportunity for aviation professionals to network with industry leaders and explore the latest trends in pilot recruitment and training. Attendees will gain insights from expert speakers and participate in workshops that enhance their career prospects in the aviation sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at Pilot Expo 2027 allows companies to showcase their products and services to a targeted audience of aviation professionals and aspiring pilots. This is a prime opportunity to connect with potential recruits and industry partners, enhancing visibility and driving business growth.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Student pilots and career changers comparing ab initio PPL/CPL/ATPL training routes, funding options and school locations
Cadets and low-hour pilots looking for airline cadet programmes, mentored entry schemes and first officer pathways
Licensed CPL/ATPL pilots and first officers evaluating type-rating courses, simulator assessments and airline transition programmes
Helicopter and military pilots exploring civilian conversion, EASA licence recognition and type-rating bridging
Flight instructors, training captains and examiners sourcing CBT, simulator and competency-assessment providers
Airline, charter and cargo flight operations recruiters screening cockpit crew and cadet pipeline candidates
Aviation university and flight-school students planning hour building, instrument ratings and instructor ratings
Pilot spouses, partners and relocating families comparing training bases, housing and school logistics
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
Ab initio flight training academies and integrated ATPL schools
Modular CPL/ATPL training providers and hour-building centres
Type-rating and simulator training centres, including full-flight simulator operators
Airline cadet programme, direct-entry and pilot recruitment teams
Aviation English, EASA theory, CBT and e-learning courseware providers
Pilot supplies vendors: headsets, kneeboards, logbooks, uniforms and flight bags
Flight-planning, electronic logbook and crew scheduling software vendors
Aviation medical, licensing and pilot career advisory services
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
Integrated ATPL and modular CPL/ATPL training programmes
Type-rating courses for Airbus, Boeing and turboprop fleets
Full-flight simulator sessions, FNPT/FTD training and MCC/JOC courses
Airline cadet schemes, mentored entry programmes and direct-entry recruitment
EASA ATPL theory, aviation English testing and CBT courseware
Pilot gear: headsets, kneeboards, logbooks, flight bags and uniforms
Flight-planning, electronic logbook and crew scheduling software
Aviation medical, licence conversion and career advisory services
Flight training finance, student funding and insurance products
Helicopter and military-to-civilian conversion pathways
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1SkyHall, Brussels Airport
SkyHall, Brussels Airport
SkyHall, Brussels Airport, Leopoldlaan, Zaventem, Belgium
Facilities
Parking
SkyHall, Brussels Airport in Brussels typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: SkyHall, Brussels Airport in Brussels typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at SkyHall, Brussels Airport for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Brussels, BE
Why it matters
On 2027-02-26 to 2027-02-27, Pilot Expo in Brussels covering Pilot training programs and courses, Aviation recruitment services, Aircraft and simulator technology, Aviation safety e gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · EUR
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
ibis budget Brussels Airport
budget
Zaventem (Brussels Airport district)USD 95–122 / night
Approx. nightly room band for the show dates; confirm rate, shuttle and cancellation policy directly.
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, pet-friendly, accessible, kid-friendly, smoke-free property
Novotel Brussels Airport
midscale
Zaventem (Brussels Airport district)USD 150–190 / night
Approx. nightly room band for the show dates; confirm rate, shuttle and cancellation policy directly.
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, pet-friendly, fitness center, bar, restaurant
Holiday Inn Express Brussels - Airport by IHG
midscale
Zaventem (Brussels Airport district)USD 150–190 / night
Approx. nightly room band for the show dates; the hotel advertises an airport shuttle, but confirm its schedule.
Free breakfast, free Wi-Fi, parking (paid), air conditioning, pet-friendly, bar, restaurant, airport shuttle, accessible
B&B HOTEL Brussels Airport
budget
Zaventem (Brussels Airport district)USD 95–122 / night
Approx. nightly room band for the show dates; confirm rate and airport access directly.
Breakfast (paid), free Wi-Fi, parking (paid)
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
Walk
Estimated costFree
Best forBrussels Airport terminal to SkyHall via Leopoldlaan
Hotel shuttle
Estimated costApprox. EUR 0-10 per person, hotel-dependent; confirm with hotel
Best forBrussels Airport to Zaventem airport-district hotels
Bus (De Lijn 3226)
Estimated costEUR 2-5 single metro journey (contactless)
Best forZaventem Brussels Airport - Bordet - Brussel Noord
Metro / tram / bus (STIB-MIVB)
Estimated costEUR 2-5 single metro journey (contactless)
Best forBrussels city network to the Brussels Airport district
Taxi
Estimated costApprox. EUR 15-30 depending on traffic and pickup point; confirm meter or app fare
Best forBrussels Airport to Zaventem hotels or SkyHall
Parking
Estimated costApprox. EUR 20-35 per day depending on car park and pre-booking; confirm venue rate
Best forBrussels Airport car parks to SkyHall
Weather
Late February is still winter in Brussels. Expect cold, often grey days, daytime temperatures around 1-8 C and frequent drizzle or rain. The approx. 200 m walk from the Brussels Airport terminal to SkyHall is outdoors, so a waterproof coat and layers are useful; check a live forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Belgium is in the EU roaming zone, so EU/EEA SIMs generally roam at domestic rates; travellers from outside the EU should check their operator's Belgium pass. Brussels Airport and many Zaventem hotels offer Wi-Fi; confirm SkyHall exhibitor and press Wi-Fi with the organiser. Power is 230 V at 50 Hz with type C/E plugs, so bring an adapter for non-European devices.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Language
Brussels is officially bilingual French and Dutch, and English is widely spoken in the airport district and at aviation events. Signage at Brussels Airport is multilingual.
Currency and payments
Belgium uses the euro (EUR). Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted on STIB transport, at the airport and in Zaventem hotels; carry a little cash for small purchases.
Tipping
Service is usually included in Belgian restaurant bills; rounding up or leaving small change is common for good service.
Arrival
SkyHall is about 200 m from the Brussels Airport terminal via Leopoldlaan, so allow 10-15 minutes after baggage claim for the walk and badge collection.
Accessibility
Brussels Airport and Zaventem hotels generally offer step-free access and accessible rooms; confirm specific needs with SkyHall or your hotel before travel.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Google Flights captures for a 26 February 2027 arrival showed London-Brussels as typical, New York-Brussels as currently high and Sydney-Brussels about EUR 1,681 below the usual level; Tokyo-Brussels was described as typical. Book early, compare one-stop routings via Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Istanbul, and check baggage allowances because the quoted itineraries include taxes and fees for one adult but may exclude checked bags. Arrive at BRU on 25 February if you want a buffer before the 26-27 February show.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Use the nearest international airport serving Brussels; Metro, train or taxi links are typically available to the venue district.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near SkyHall, Brussels Airport: Zaventem (Brussels Airport district): ibis budget Brussels Airport; Zaventem (Brussels Airport district): Novotel Brussels Airport; Zaventem (Brussels Airport district): Holiday Inn Express Brussels - Airport by IHG.
Ride-hail: Ride-hailing apps operate in Brussels and can be requested from Brussels Airport; pickup zones are signposted outside arrivals. For the short trip to Zaventem hotels or SkyHall, expect approx. EUR 15-30 depending on traffic and surge, and confirm the fare in the app before booking. Metered taxis are also available at the terminal.
Public transit: For SkyHall, walking from the Brussels Airport terminal is usually the fastest option: about 200 m via Leopoldlaan. For city trips, Brussels Airport has its own rail station with direct trains to Brussels Central and Brussels Midi/Zuid; STIB-MIVB metro, tram and bus services cover the city. De Lijn line 3226 links Zaventem Brussels Airport with Bordet and Brussel Noord. Buy tickets contactless or via the STIB/De Lijn apps, and check airport rail fare rules.
Parking: Parking is available in the Brussels Airport district; SkyHall visitors should check the organiser's arrival note for the designated car park and pedestrian route. Airport car parks typically charge by the day, with approximate rates around EUR 20-35 per day depending on proximity and pre-booking; confirm the current SkyHall visitor rate before travel.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: February 2027 (late winter in Brussels)
Temperature: Daytime temperatures typically range from about 1 C to 8 C, with colder mornings and a chance of frost; check the live forecast in the week before travel.
Seasonality: February is one of Brussels' wetter, greyer months, with frequent drizzle and a realistic chance of rain on either show day; the halls are indoors but the terminal-to-SkyHall walk is outdoors.
Packing: Pack a warm waterproof coat, layers, an umbrella and comfortable shoes for the short outdoor walk between Brussels Airport terminal and SkyHall; indoor halls can be warm, so dress in layers.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at Pilot Expo usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
14 days out
Register for Pilot Expo through pilot-expo.com, check the ticket type and opening hours, and save your confirmation for badge collection at SkyHall.
12 days out
Book a Zaventem or Brussels Airport district hotel such as ibis budget Brussels Airport, Novotel Brussels Airport, Holiday Inn Express Brussels - Airport or B&B HOTEL Brussels Airport, and confirm the shuttle or walking route.
10 days out
Book flights into Brussels Airport (BRU) for 25 February where possible, so you have a buffer before the 26-27 February show.
7 days out
Prepare your CV, logbook summary, licence copies and a shortlist of flight schools, type-rating centres and airline recruiters you want to meet.
5 days out
Review the Pilot Expo exhibitor list and schedule, and note the info sessions or airline briefings you want to attend first.
3 days out
Check the Brussels weather forecast and pack layers, a waterproof coat and comfortable shoes for the outdoor terminal-to-SkyHall walk.
2 days out
Confirm your arrival terminal at BRU and allow 10-15 minutes after baggage claim for the approx. 200 m walk to SkyHall via Leopoldlaan.
1 day out
Charge devices, download maps and confirm meeting points with schools or recruiters you plan to see.
Show day
Collect your badge, work through your priority stands during quieter morning hours, and keep notes for follow-up emails.
After the show
Send follow-up messages to recruiters, schools and simulator centres while your notes and brochures are still fresh.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at SkyHall, Brussels Airport
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2Pilot Expo registration concourse
SkyHall, Brussels Airport
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
SkyHall, Brussels Airport
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights€190.00
- Per diem × 2€150.00
Estimated total€340.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether Pilot Expo fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For Pilot Expo, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Pilot training programs and courses and Aviation recruitment services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at Pilot Expo in Brussels.
Min. budget
$491.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Pilot training programs and courses and Aviation recruitment services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$2,209.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Brussels show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
Gallery
Photos
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
When and where is Pilot Expo in Brussels?
Pilot Expo is scheduled for 26-27 February 2027 at SkyHall, Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium. The venue sits on the airport site, about 200 m from the terminal via Leopoldlaan.
Who should attend Pilot Expo?
Student and cadet pilots researching flight schools, licensed pilots seeking type ratings or airline jobs, flight instructors, and airline recruiters sourcing cockpit crew. The fair concentrates training providers and pilot employers in one hall.
How do I get to SkyHall from Brussels Airport?
Walk from the terminal via Leopoldlaan, roughly 200 m and 3 minutes, or use an airport shuttle from nearby Zaventem hotels. STIB and De Lijn buses connect the airport with Brussels city.
What training programmes can I compare at the fair?
Expect integrated and modular ATPL/CPL courses, type ratings on full-flight simulators, cadet pilot schemes with airlines, aviation English testing, and pilot gear such as headsets and flight-planning tools.
Do I need to book accommodation early?
Zaventem airport hotels such as Novotel Brussels Airport, Holiday Inn Express Brussels - Airport by IHG and ibis budget Brussels Airport are closest to SkyHall and book quickly around show dates, so reserve early for 26-27 February 2027.
How do exhibitors register for Pilot Expo?
Exhibitors should contact the organiser through pilot-expo.com to request a stand, submit company details, and receive the exhibitor manual for SkyHall, Brussels Airport, covering build-up, staff badges and on-site logistics.
Glossary
- ATPL
- Airline Transport Pilot Licence; the senior professional pilot licence airline recruiters at Pilot Expo typically ask about.
- CPL
- Commercial Pilot Licence; the licence most ab initio and modular school offerings lead to before type rating.
- Type rating
- Aircraft-specific training on a model such as the A320 or B737, often delivered at pilot career fairs by simulator training centres.
- Cadet programme
- An airline-sponsored training scheme combining flight school and airline placement, promoted by carriers recruiting at the fair.
- Full-flight simulator
- A motion simulator replicating a specific aircraft type, used for type rating and recurrent training; providers exhibit these programmes at pilot expos.
- Aviation English
- The language proficiency requirement for licensed pilots, assessed by approved test providers such as those exhibiting at Pilot Expo.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- Pilot Expo 2027
- Pilot recruitment event
- Air crew training fair
- Pilot Expo Brussels 2027
- Brussels BE
- Pilot training programs and courses
- Aviation recruitment services
- Aircraft and simulator technology
- Aviation safety equipment
- digital transformation expo
1 more alternate names hidden
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Sources
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References
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Publishers
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Date checked
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Pilot Expo
- event_website
- event_agenda
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