Moscow has solidified its position as the undisputed hub for Russia’s civil aviation infrastructure sector. While air shows like MAKS capture the public imagination with flying displays, the real business of keeping planes on schedule, passengers secure, and runways operational happens on the trade show floors dedicated to airports, ground handling, and airfield technology.
In an era of technological sovereignty and import substitution, Moscow’s infrastructure-focused exhibitions have become critical forums. They are where airport directors, IT integrators, ground handling managers, and government regulators meet to build the “sovereign aviation model” of the future—from the tarmac to the terminal.
The Flagship: National Aviation Infrastructure Salon (NAIS)
The undisputed crown jewel of the sector is the National Aviation Infrastructure Salon (NAIS) . Held annually in early February at the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center, NAIS is the only professional exhibition in Russia dedicated exclusively to civil airport and airline infrastructure.
The 2026 edition set new records, cementing its reputation as a “must-attend” event. Over 12,500 professionals gathered to witness more than 200 exhibitors from Russia, Belarus, and China showcase their latest innovations. The scale of the event reflects the massive investment planned for the sector: Russia aims to invest over $44 billion in civil aviation infrastructure by 2030.
What makes NAIS unique is its comprehensive scope. The exhibition floor is meticulously divided into specialized sectors, covering every conceivable aspect of airport operations:
- Airfield Infrastructure: Runway lighting systems, power supply units (such as the new K-400 diesel source from ATS Technologies), bird deterrent technologies, and meteorological equipment.
- Ground Handling: The latest towbarless and conventional tugs (including the “Hercules” model from Aviaspetsmash), container loaders, and de-icing fluids.
- Terminal Technology: Passenger flow management systems, biometric security solutions, and self-service kiosks.
- Safety & Security: Next-generation walk-through metal detectors (like the B2SCAN SD3000) and, notably, shoe scanners that allow passengers to keep their footwear on during screening—a small change that dramatically improves the passenger experience.
The Rise of Unmanned Systems: Drontech
In a significant development, NAIS has evolved to embrace the future of flight. The 2026 event saw the co-location of Drontech, an exhibition dedicated to unmanned, autonomous, and robotic systems.
Drontech has quickly become Russia’s leading platform for the unmanned aviation industry. It brings together over 80 manufacturers and developers of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS). The focus is intensely practical: visitors can see agricultural drones capable of treating vast areas, industrial inspection UAVs for monitoring pipelines and power lines, and sophisticated counter-drone systems designed to protect critical airport infrastructure from rogue incursions.
The integration of Drontech into NAIS reflects a national priority. The Russian government is actively developing the legal and economic framework for drones under a national project, and the 2025-2026 period has seen a 20% increase in UAS flight intensity. For professionals looking to enter this booming market, Drontech is the essential starting point.
The Strategic Forum: Business Program and Government Presence
Walking the floor at NAIS, one quickly realizes this is not just a trade show—it is a high-level strategic summit. The event is held with the direct support and participation of the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, and the Federal Air Transport Agency (Rosaviatsia).
The business program is the intellectual engine of the salon. The main plenary session at the 2026 event was titled “Our Own Height: How Russia’s Sovereign Aviation Model Is Being Formed”. This session featured a who’s who of Russian aviation: Vice-Premier Vitaly Savelyev, the heads of Aeroflot and the United Aircraft Corporation (UAC), and top regulators.
The discussions were frank and future-oriented. Key themes included:
- Technological Independence: How the industry is replacing imported components in aircraft like the MC-21 and SSJ New.
- Fleet Management: Strategies for maintaining the airworthiness of existing Western-built Airbus and Boeing aircraft while transitioning to domestic models like the Tu-214.
- Infrastructure Growth: Plans to modernize 75 airfields and build 19 new passenger terminals by 2030.
Furthermore, NAIS serves as a backdrop for major deal-making. The 2026 salon witnessed the signing of a landmark agreement between S7 Airlines and UAC for the delivery of 100 Tu-214 medium-haul aircraft.
Industry Recognition: Awards and Accolades
No major industry event is complete without recognition of excellence, and NAIS hosts two of the most prestigious awards in Russian civil aviation.
The “Air Gates of Russia” awards and the RUSky Awards are presented during the salon. These prizes celebrate the best airports, airlines, and individual professionals in the industry. Winning an award is a significant mark of prestige, signaling operational excellence and innovation to the entire market. The salon also introduced a scholarship award named after E.K. Kisel to nurture future talent.
Preparing for Your Visit
If you are planning to attend NAIS or a similar aviation infrastructure event in Moscow, a few practical tips will ensure a successful visit.
- Timing: The primary event, NAIS, takes place annually in early February. The 2027 edition is scheduled for February 10-11.
- Venue: The event is held at Crocus Expo, Pavilion 1, Hall 4. The nearest metro station is Myakinino on the Arbatsko-Pokrovskaya line.
- Registration: Professional attendance is free, but online pre-registration is strictly required to receive your badge. On-site registration can involve long queues.
- Language: While the official business program may offer translation, the language of the exhibition floor is overwhelmingly Russian. Bringing an interpreter or a bilingual colleague is strongly recommended for substantive negotiations.
- Networking: The real value of NAIS is in the personal connections. The two-day format is intense, so come prepared with a clear agenda and plenty of business cards (ideally printed in both English and Russian).
Moscow’s aviation infrastructure trade shows, led by the mighty NAIS, offer an unfiltered and optimistic view of an industry navigating profound change. These events are no longer just about buying new luggage belts or runway sweepers. They are strategic forums where the future of Russian civil aviation—from the smallest security scanner to the largest domestic airliner—is being designed and debated.
For any company or professional serious about engaging with the Russian aviation market, from ground handling equipment suppliers to IT solution providers, the halls of Crocus Expo in February are the essential destination. It is where the industry comes together to ensure that, despite all challenges, the planes continue to fly safely and on time.
