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Colombia flies high! F-AIR 2025 concludes this edition successfully.
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- 58,862 people attended the venue set up at José María Córdova Airport, while the country strengthened important ties with nations that find institutional trust in Colombia.
Rionegro, Antioquia, July 14, 2025. The twelfth edition of the International Aeronautics and Space Fair, F-AIR 2025, concluded with a highly positive outcome after five days of intense activities, shows, and business. Organized by the Civil Aeronautics and the Colombian Aerospace Force, with the support of Corferias as the logistics operator, the fair took place from July 9 to 13 at the José María Córdova International Airport.
58,862 national and international visitors enjoyed impressive aerial displays, a solid academic agenda, the third edition of F-Drone, and productive business rounds that strengthened the country's aeronautical and aerospace ecosystem.
This event brought together more than 230 aerospace companies from different regions of the world, establishing itself as one of the most important in Latin America in its category. Likewise, it provided spaces for business and networking with 516 appointments.
With 5,000 grandstand spaces available for the public, 7,200 m² of commercial pavilion for the exhibition of products and services, and more than 90,000 m² of fairgrounds, this event featured over 30 aircraft in static display, providing an immersive experience for visitors and industry professionals.
Sweden's participation as the guest of honor added value to this edition, allowing attendees to witness the cutting-edge technology of the Gripen fighters and strengthen bilateral cooperation between the two nations. This space was key for the exchange of knowledge and experiences, reaffirming the mutual commitment to advance in strategic projects of innovation, defense, and sustainability.
Colombia, as the host, stood out with important announcements. Among them, the adherence to the ICAO ACT-SAF program, the signing of the 'SAF Vuela' agreement between Ecopetrol and the Civil Aeronautics, as well as memorandums of understanding with Aruba, and between LATAM and Fedepalma, with the aim of positioning the country as a benchmark in the production and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). These advances reflect the national commitment to the decarbonization of the air sector and the consolidation of a cleaner and more modern aviation.
During the fair, key bilateral meetings were held. With the United Kingdom, new raw materials for SAF and the strengthening of tourism in San Andrés and Tolú were discussed. With the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), collaboration on operational safety was reaffirmed. The Swedish firm SAAB agreed to implement a digital tower pilot in Villavicencio, which represents a step towards the technological modernization of air traffic control in Colombia. Additionally, the meeting with Airbus opened opportunities to advance in air ambulances, sustainability, operational safety, and the possible establishment of an MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) center in the country.
Key spaces were created to strengthen the unmanned aviation and aeronautical maintenance (MRO) industry in the country. The intention to implement regional specialized technical training programs to close talent gaps and enhance local capabilities was highlighted, as well as to encourage foreign investment in MRO centers, taking advantage of Colombia's strategic location and competitive costs.
Likewise, collaboration with international authorities and multilateral organizations was promoted to modernize and harmonize the national regulation of unmanned systems (UAS), facilitating safe commercial operations in sectors such as agriculture, surveillance, logistics, energy, environment, and emergencies. These efforts consolidate Colombia as an emerging player in the global unmanned aviation and aeronautical maintenance ecosystem.
To generate strategic alliances that strengthen technical capabilities in logistics, maintenance, development, and materials, within the framework of the Fair, the Colombian Aerospace Force led the first International Congress of Aeronautical Logistics Chiefs of the Americas, which brought together logistics representatives from the Air Forces of nine countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, United States, Mexico, Peru, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.
Similarly, the FAC and the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) signed an agreement for 150 billion pesos to acquire two 'Firehawk' helicopters, state-of-the-art aircraft designed to extinguish forest fires, transport humanitarian aid, and carry out evacuations.
The Gules Eagle and The Wings of Blue parachuting teams from the United States Air Force jumped from 10,000 feet, presenting a colorful show filled with emotion and patriotism.
As a reflection of the good relations between the countries of the continent, the Brazilian Air Force was also present with the fast F-39 Gripen and the KC 390, and the United States Air Force with the F-16 'Viper Demo Team' aircraft.
The Civil Aeronautics and the Colombian Aerospace Force extend their gratitude to the municipality of Rionegro, the department of Antioquia, its authorities, and all its inhabitants for their hospitality; to all public and private allies, as well as each contribution that was fundamental to the success of the best aeronautical meeting in the country.
In this way, Colombia's aerospace leadership in the Latin American aerospace sector is reaffirmed, positioning the country as a key player in the transition towards a safer, more sustainable, and future-connected aviation.
