Aviation enthusiasts conquer Vienna: Exchanging and collecting day inspires!

Aviation enthusiasts conquer Vienna: Exchanging and collecting day inspires!

The traditional Exchange and Collectors Day of the Vienna Airport Friends took place on October 18, 2025. This event has been a highlight for aviation enthusiasts for decades and attracted hundreds of visitors from Austria and neighboring countries to the Airport City. The swap market in Office Park 4 offered a wide range of items, including spit bags, dishes, safety cards and airplane models. Gernot Kastner, who has led the club since 2019, had everything under control and ensured that the atmosphere was as lively as the collectibles on offer.

The participation of numerous exhibitors from Austria, Germany, Hungary and Slovakia, which reflected the diversity of the passion for aviation, was particularly pleasing. The model building association IMPS Austria and the Sky Flight Academy from Krems were present with information stands, which further stimulated the exchange between like-minded people. A very special moment was the appearance of aviation historian Gottfried Holzschuh, who not only presented his works but also announced a new book about private Austrian airlines. In an interesting conversation with Cpt. a. D. Gerhard Gruber, valuable insights into aviation history were gained.

A festival for collectors and those interested

There were also some surprises on offer outside of the exchanges. Martin Dichler, honorary chairman and aviation journalist, had a particularly large stand full of historical stickers, safety cards and books. Visitors were able to take funny snapshots at the popular WinWood photo box team, while airport friends offered coffee and cake for sale. This cozy atmosphere contributed to the good mood among those present.

Another highlight of the day was the raffle, where attractive prizes were raffled off. The prizes included a one-hour simulator flight from Sky Flight Academy as well as donations from ViennaFlight Flightsimulation & Flighttraining OG and various airlines and partners. Patrick Huber, known as a non-fiction author and aviation journalist, also provided a book as a prize, which further fueled interest in the raffle.

A look into the future of aviation trade fairs

For the participants of the exchange and collector day, the exchange was often also an opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in the aviation industry. Trade fairs for the aerospace industry are more in demand than ever, and a look at the platform measuring.de shows that numerous events are planned in the coming years. These trade fairs are not only a showcase for innovations, but also an excellent opportunity for networking.

Last but not least, the issue of data protection should not go unmentioned, which is becoming increasingly important when processing data relating to such events. At events such as Exchange and Collectors Day, great importance is placed on the protection of personal data. Further information can be found on the website FRA Aviation Fair.

Overall, the Exchange and Collectors Day 2025 was a complete success and a wonderful day for everyone who shares a passion for aviation. We are already looking forward to the next events and what the future holds for the aviation community!