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39th Airexpo
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In 2025, the support granted by the ISAE-SUPAERO Foundation to the organization of the Airexpo airshow was once again renewed. A 39ᵉ edition attracted nearly 10,000 spectators delighted by the show under a bright sun.
A look back at the day!
AIREXPO is a unique airshow in the world, being the only event of its kind organized entirely by students. Founded in 1987, it is the fruit of collaboration between two of Toulouse’s leading engineering schools, the École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) and the Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE-SUPAERO).
Since its creation, AIREXPO’s mission has been to promote aeronautical culture to the general public, while serving as a testing ground for the engineering students who organize the event. Through this experience, students acquire cross-disciplinary skills in project management, communications, logistics, institutional relations and aeronautical techniques. Initially held at the Toulouse-Lasbordes airfield, the meeting is now held at the Muret-Lherm airfield, due to the ever-increasing number of visitors.
AIREXPO is France’s 3rd largest air show, after the Paris Air Show and the Fête Aérienne de La Ferté-Alais. Its main objective is to offer a high-quality air show, accessible to all, while reflecting the diversity of the aviation world: civil aircraft, military aircraft, warbirds, helicopters, drones, aerobatic aircraft and scale models. The program is rounded out by ground-based activities (flight simulators, exhibitions, historical re-enactments, educational stands, etc.).
The 39th edition was held on May 10, 2025. It mobilized a team of 50 students divided into several areas (logistics, communications, volunteer recruitment, setting up the aircraft, finding partners). The event was organized over a period of 9 months. On the day of the event, a further 250 volunteers were mobilized to welcome the public, manage traffic flows, ensure security and man the stands.
The event welcomed almost 10,000 visitors, confirming the popular success of the airshow, despite the absence of the Patrouille de France and Rafales.
In addition to the air show, visitors were able to discover flight simulators, watch drone demonstrations, visit cockpits, and take part in educational workshops aimed at younger visitors.
Objectives achieved:
- the air show was rich and balanced, the largest air show since its creation (despite the absence of the PAF and Rafales)
- the public came in droves,
- the educational events were very well received,
- the partners renewed their confidence in the organizing team.
Challenges :
- Unstable weather conditions complicated the installation and uninstallation phase,
- Administrative delays for permits and insurance,
- The logistical complexity of security (access control, barricading, on-site traffic),
- The need to manage studies, exams and the organization of the meeting in parallel.
Key figures and impact
- 50 student organizers
- 250 volunteers mobilized on D-Day
- 9 months of preparation
- 10,000 visitors
- 50 aircraft present
- The French Air Force aerobatic team
- 20 industrial and institutional partners
Testimony of Nolan Allègre
Airshow vice-president
Nolan was the point of contact and the Airexpo project leader for the Foundation. The testimony in this article is his own.
With hindsight, this edition of AIREXPO confirms the value of the student association model for promoting aeronautics. It also demonstrates the ability of young engineers to manage a large-scale event independently and responsibly. Feedback from our partners, visitors and industry professionals was unanimous in its success.
Areas for future improvement include:
- further strengthen communication ahead of the event, notably via local media and social networks,
- develop awareness-raising initiatives in the region’s secondary schools,
- optimize the site’s logistical management to make visitor reception more fluid.
The 40ᵉ edition of AIREXPO, scheduled for May 2026, will benefit from accumulated experience, a renewed but trained team, and the return of loyal partners. We hope to continue raising the profile of aeronautics, inspiring vocations, and demonstrating students’ commitment to ambitious, unifying projects.
Any final words?
Thank you for making it possible for us to carry out such a professional and human project.