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Mark February 20 and 21, 2026, on your calendar if you’re looking to break into the aviation industry. Pilot Expo 2026 is Europe’s largest recruitment event for future aviation professionals, offering pilots, engineers, and cabin crew the chance to explore job openings, attend training programs, and connect with key industry players.

In this article, we’ll explain what the event is all about, its origins and main purpose, the activities you can take part in, and the top companies that will be attending. We’ll also cover the location in detail and your transportation options, whether you’re coming from the airport or the city. Finally, we’ll go over ticket prices, any special discounts, and the official channels for purchasing them. If you’re passionate about aviation and want to build a career in the industry, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

What is Pilot Expo 2026?

Pilot Expo is an international event held annually in Europe for the past five years. Its main focus is on recruiting aviation professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and other specialists. It’s also a great place to meet like-minded people, build valuable connections, and discover new training programs, courses, and job opportunities.

The main goal of this convention is to connect airlines, training centers, and industry professionals with emerging talent looking to build a career in aviation. If that sounds like you, you’ve probably heard of Pilot Expo, one of the most recognized international events in the sector.

After several editions held in Berlin, attracting over 5,000 visitors from 30 countries and more than 150 exhibitors, last year the event moved to SkyHall at Brussels Airport. It was a huge success there, so the 2026 edition will return to the same venue.

What does Pilot Expo 2026 offer?

Once again, Pilot Expo 2026 will bring together airlines, training schools, and aerospace manufacturers in a space designed for recruitment, career development, and networking. To support this, a range of activities will take place on February 20 and 21, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM:

  • Friday, February 20: In the morning, there are several sessions focused on pilot recruitment, training programs, and career paths. In the afternoon, airlines, recruiters, and flight schools give presentations.
  • Saturday, February 21: In the morning, sessions will cover the work and pressures of being a pilot. In the afternoon, airline presentations continue, featuring interviews and information about available positions.
  • Hands-on workshops: On both days, workshops are held to help attendees prepare for job interviews, including mock selection processes, CV reviews, and career guidance.
  • Specialized booths: Dedicated to flight schools, cadet programs, flight attendant academies, maintenance companies, and executive aviation.
  • Aircraft party: On Friday night, there’s a nighttime party with live music, drinks, and lots of fun.
flight crew
Don’t miss the most important event in the aeronautical sector. Source: Shutterstock.

Confirmed participants for this convention include Airline Flight Academy, Amst Aviación, Ansett Aviation Italia, Buzz, Emirates, Lufthansa, and Corendon Airlines Europe. In previous editions, speakers have included Alan Stenberg, co-founder and CEO of Beams; Álex Bernado, ELP examiner at EAS Barcelona; and Ángelo Currao, pilot recruiter at Ryanair. As you can imagine, the insights shared in their sessions are extremely valuable for both active pilots and students.

  • Pilots: Attendees will be able to explore job opportunities with airlines, learn about changes in hiring requirements, attend advanced talks, and stay up to date on new equipment, certifications, and qualifications.
  • Students and aspiring pilots: They will find comprehensive information on training pathways, financing options, cadet programs, medical requirements, licensing, and guidance on planning their careers.

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Where is Pilot Expo 2026 held and how do I get there?

Pilot Expo 2026 will take place at SkyHall, located within Brussels Airport in Zaventem, Belgium. The venue is modern and spacious, perfectly suited for an event of this scale. If you’re wondering how to get there from the city, there are several transportation options, which we explain below:

  • Train: Brussels Airport – Zaventem train station is directly connected to the airport. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to SkyHall, a trip of about 20 minutes that costs roughly $11 each way.
  • City bus: Several local and regional bus lines connect the airport to different parts of Brussels. For example, line 12 runs every 20 minutes and takes about 40 minutes to reach the city, costing around $4.66 per trip.
  • Taxi/private hire vehicle: A faster option is to take a taxi or a private hire vehicle. These are available at the airport exits, transport stations, and designated city stops, or you can book one in advance. The ride typically costs around $52.
  • Rental car: If you are coming from another city, you can rent a car and drive directly to the venue using GPS.

If you’re flying in from your home country and land at Brussels Airport (BRU), head to the arrivals area. SkyHall is located within the airport, about a ten-minute walk, or you can use the internal shuttle services that connect different parts of the terminal. If you’re arriving from other Brussels airports, the easiest way to reach SkyHall is with Flibco’s shuttle buses, with fares starting at around $17, depending on the distance.

directions
How to get to Pilot Expo 2026 from the airport itself. Source: Pilot Expo

Available services you can find

  • Parking: The airport offers both short- and long-term parking, with many options located close to the venue. There are also covered and open-air parking lots available.
  • Food and cafeterias: Within the airport area and in SkyHall, you will find restaurants, cafeterias, bars, and fast food outlets.
  • Additional services: There are also services such as ATMs, Wi-Fi zones, duty-free shops, and rest areas.

Prices and where to get tickets for Pilot Expo 2026

If you work for an airline as a pilot, cabin crew member, engineer, or dispatcher, admission is free. Keep in mind that you’ll need to show a valid ID, which grants access to the fair and the party, but not the conference sessions. Here are the ticket options and prices available on the official Pilot Expo 2026 website if purchased before February 21:

  • All-inclusive ticket: Access to the main event, exhibition areas, recruitment booths, conferences, and party for $52.00.
  • Expo party ticket: Includes only admission to the fair and the airplane party for $23.29.

Accepted payment methods include credit or debit cards through authorized platforms such as Stripe or PayPal, as well as Google Pay, iDEAL, Sofort, or Bancontact. Make sure to bring your ticket, either printed or digital, along with a valid ID on the day of the event.

prices
Ticket prices for Expo Pilot 2026. Source: Expo Pilot

Frequently asked questions about Pilot Expo 2026

When and where will Pilot Expo 2026 take place?

Pilot Expo 2026 will take place at SkyHall, inside Brussels Airport in Zaventem, on February 20 and 21.

What kind of activities can I expect during the event?

You’ll be able to take part in hands-on workshops, attend conferences, and visit recruitment areas and booths from flight schools, academies, and airlines. There are also sessions focused on preparing for interviews and reviewing your CV.

What professional benefits does attending the event offer?

Attending Pilot Expo 2026 gives you the chance to connect directly with recruiters from some of the world’s leading airlines. You’ll also have the opportunity to network within the industry, learn about the job market, and get information on new training courses.

Can I attend Pilot Expo 2026 even if I am not yet a pilot or student?

Yes, the event is also open to aspiring aviation professionals or anyone interested in starting a career in the industry. There will be informational sessions for those who want to learn how the aviation world works.

Should I bring my resume to Pilot Expo 2026?

Yes, we recommend keeping it up to date in both digital and printed format, especially if you plan to meet with recruiters. You can also bring your licenses or any other relevant documents to support your application for a position.

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Paula Henderson

Paula Henderson

Spanish-English Translator

Hi! I'm a Spanish-English translator working with Holafly, helping bring travel content to life for curious travelers. As a digital nomad with a passion for exploring, I'm always adding new spots to my bucket list. If you love to travel like me, stick around because you're in the right place to find inspiration for your next trip! ✈️🌍

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