This year’s EBACE marked an optimism that the industry is turning a corner in Europe as manufacturers debuted new aircraft models at a full-capacity static display, attendance appeared on the upswing, and the exhibit floor exceeded expectations.
“I am enormously pleased with the way EBACE has come off this year. The crowds and exhibits are strong and we met the challenge of moving the static display,” said Ed Bolen, president and CEO of EBACE co-host NBAA. “The show has had a very positive vibe.”
Fifty-six aircraft arrived at EBACE, including a number of first-time visitors to the tarmac such as the Cessna Citation Longitude, Piper M600, Cirrus SF50 Vision Jet and Nextant G90XT. The static display was moved to a new location as a result of ongoing construction at host Geneva International Airport; NBAA and co-host EBAA arranged for convenient shuttle buses to the display ramp.
Meanwhile, 413 exhibitors brought new and innovative displays such as a holographic display at GDC Technics that provides a glimpse of the company’s transportable holographic tool, which the company is developing for its cabin design work. Ruag, meanwhile, brought a “glowing” pod that demonstrates its interior acoustic capabilities. Also, three aircraft mockups came to the show.
As for attendance, the show floors remained busy and visitors appeared to be at least on target with expectations through the first two days, according to show organizers.
Brandon Mitchener, who is attending his first EBACE as the new CEO of EBAA, echoed the sentiments, pointing to exhibits and attendance, as well as the sold-out static display. “We could easily sell more static display if we had more space, but we don’t,” he said. “Looking at the three key metrics we are very pleased.”
Bertand Piccard, chairman and pilot of Solar Impulse, kicked off EBACE this week with an inspiring presentation on the keys to achieving the impossible. Piccard formally opened the session alongside Geneve Aeroport CEO Andre Schneider, Bolen, and Mitchener.
The show also held a number of workshops and seminars, including full sessions on the state of the industry and the implications of Brexit. A key topic that surfaced in the state of the industry session, Mitchener noted, was the impact of online booking tools and how they are shaping the industry. The Brexit session underscored the uncertainy surrounding the changes.
Also, a networking event for women in aviation returned to this year’s EBACE, where industry leaders such as CAT Aviation CEO Helen Niedhart shared their stories of success.
A number of OEMs held maintenence and/or operations sessions, and the event showcased business aviation’s sustainability with jets such as Bombardier’s entire fleet flying to Geneva using biofuel. New aircraft models, such as the Airbus ACJ330neo; and partnerships, including a teaming between Nextant, Bombardier and Rockwell Collins on the Challenger 604–as well as one between Aerion and GE Aviation–were announced.
The show benefited from clement weather, but also from a belief that European business aviation is returning to growth. This optimism is stemming from six months of traffic growth that has followed a long period of ups and downs. Bolen, noting the challenges of the market over time, said the recent improvements “helped set the table for a strong show.”
Mitchener, who has attended a number of other conventions and exhibitions in other industries, said that beyond “the cool factor of business jets and business helicopters” and the “great showcase in technology…what I get just as much is just how small and close-knit the community is. Everyone knows everyone. There is a sense of family.”
The 2018 edition of EBACE returns to Geneva May 29-31.
