European Airshow Industry Soars to New Heights during Athens Convention.

The European Airshow Council (EAC) has successfully concluded its 2026 Convention, marking a significant quarter-century milestone for the organization. Hosted in the historic heart of Athens, the event gathered delegates from over 27 nations to advance the future of aviation safety, innovation, and collaboration.

Since its inception in 2000 by a visionary group of pilots and organisers, the EAC has evolved into Europe’s premier platform for setting global airshow standards. The 2026 Convention continued this legacy, offering a packed three-day program at the Royal Olympic Hotel that balanced technical mastery with strategic industry trends.

A Legacy of Safety and Innovation The convention programme contained a poignant tribute to Major Maciej "Slab" Krakowian, a beloved figure in the European airshow circuit and a frequent participant in the EAC’s Fast Jet Safety Workshops. This spirit of safety remained a central theme throughout the presentations, which included:

• 2025 Safety Reviews and Risk Analysis led by industry experts Frederic Akary and Rich Pillans.

  
  

• Human Factors and Cultural Insights from Lars Iwerson and Marcus Jannitto.

  
  

• Future-Facing Sustainability discussions, including the RAF Red Arrows' path to a sustainable future and Peter Reoch’s "Greener Approach" at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT).

Inspiring the Next Generation A key focus of #EAC26 was the sustainability of the industry through youth engagement. Presenters Luke Carrico, Adam Landau, and Amelia Richardson shared insights on how airshows can shape careers and captivate younger audiences to ensure the industry's long-term vitality.

Industry Collaboration The event was made possible through the support of premier partners, including Platinum Partner Aeropact, Gold Partner AeroCreativ, and Bronze Partner Hampshire Air Festival. The convention also showcased the "flying magic" of upcoming events, such as the 2026 return of Athens Flying Week at Tanagra Air Base, which is set to feature the Greek debut of the Finnish F/A-18 Hornet.

"We gather here in the shadow of the Parthenon—a symbol of endurance—to fuel our industry's progress," said Charles Skiera, EAC Executive. "Together, we continue to set the standards that allow the airshow community to soar to new heights".

The convention concluded with the annual Airshow Dinner and Awards, celebrating the individuals and teams who demonstrate excellence, honesty, and an unwavering commitment to the EAC Code of Ethics.

We look forward to a safe and successful 2026 season and look further ahead to the next EAC Convention in Salzburg, Austria during the 24th-26th February 2027.