Airplanes are complex machines that must meet rigorous safety standards. There are many important mechanical and electronic exhibitors at airline industry trade shows. Large exhibitors are often the manufacturers of the basic plane body and the working parts. Engine manufacturers are a mainstay at these trade shows. Whatever plane body a customer chooses, they will need an engine to get it off the ground. Mechanical and electronic parts for airplanes are seldom seen by the general public. Fortunately, those who purchase planes understand these are important exhibitors and look for their booths.

Interior designers often attend trade shows with their vision of comfortable and efficient seat and cabin designs. Even food vendors specializing in airline food, attend airline industry trade shows. They are all competing for large contracts with major airlines and viable contracts with smaller local air services. Perhaps the most important vendors of all are the ones specializing in aircraft maintenance.