3 Things to Look Forward to at 2025 Sun ‘n Fun Aerospace Expo

This year's SNF Expo, which will be held April 1-6 at Lakeland-Linder International Airport (KLAL), is "turning up the tech," focusing on new technology and careers that cater to the more technical side of aviation.

This year, expect to see a plethora of aviation and aerospace companies on the leading edge of innovation, presenting technologies that just a few years ago were mere ideas.

This year there is more of an emphasis on showcasing technology, so visitors at the Future 'n Flight Plaza will have a chance to see what is up and coming such as the Pivotal Helix, which is billed as the first powered lift vertical takeoff ultralight. There will also be an increase in unmanned aerial vehicle (drone) demonstrations as Wing, the commercial drone manufacturer, will showcase the UAVss used by its commercial delivery operation. 

According to SNF officials, the daily career fair will be back in operation this year in Hangar C. Among the companies scheduled to be there are Air Wisconsin, Avelo, Envoy, Frontier, Piedmont, PSA, Skywest,  Cirrus Aircraft, JSFirm.com, and Mission Aviation Fellowship.

An aircraft mechanic hiring event will be held April 2 from 5-7 p.m. CT in the Forums Tent at the Future 'n Flight Plaza.

The event will also feature opportunities in humanitarian application of aviation, including Operation Helo, which deployed to help residents of western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene decimated the area with flooding and landslides.

Children under the age of 12 are admitted free to SNF, and they will find plenty to do as there will hand-on activities, including virtual reality aviation simulation, robotics demonstrations, and 3D print demos, along with many other STEM activities facilitated by the FAA, Embry-Riddle University, Polk Country Mosquito Control, and National Recreation and Park Association.