EBACE2017 to Demonstrate Enduring Significance of Europe’s Business Aviation Community

The size, scope, and importance of the European business aviation community will be in focus throughout the 2017 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2017), coming to Geneva’s Palexpo Convention Center from 22-24 May 2017. EBACE2017 is jointly hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the leading association for business aviation in Europe, and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the industry’s most powerful voice in the United States.

In addition to serving as a valuable opportunity to learn about the many roles of business aviation across Europe, as well as the latest products and services available throughout the industry, EBACE2017 will also celebrate an important advocacy milestone. This year marks EBAA’s 40th year of advocacy on behalf of Europe’s business aviation community, and several events and featured speakers throughout the event will showcase the association’s efforts in this vital role.

Of course, among the most powerful examples of this important mission is EBACE itself, which over the past 16 years has grown to become a must-attend event not only for European business aviation operators, but also the international business aviation community.

The inaugural EBACE in 2001 featured approximately 200 exhibitors, and 30 aircraft on static display; last year, EBACE2016 featured more than 450 exhibitors, from more than 40 countries, and 60 aircraft on static display – including several that made their world debut at EBACE.

Attendees came to EBACE2016 from more than 100 countries across the European region, and beyond, and more than 400 international journalists covered a variety of industry announcements, a demonstration of the show’s powerful role in closing deals and generating headlines.

EBACE serves as more than just an industry trade event, however; perhaps most importantly, it is also recognized as a premier venue for hosting discussions on matters of concern not only to business aviation operators across Europe, but also on a global scale.

In addition, EBACE highlights the many and diverse ways that business aviation contributes to local and regional economic growth, and its importance to the European economy through the creation of jobs, improving the competitiveness of companies and industries, and increasing access for towns and cities across the region.

For example, last year’s Opening General Session featured presentations by three distinguished keynote speakers with extensive backgrounds in utilizing business aviation to support humanitarian efforts: Bernard Kouchner, physician and co-founder of Médecins Sans Frontières and Médecins du Monde; Bassim Haidar, group founder and CEO of Channel IT Group; and EASA Executive Director Patrick Ky.

EBACE is also an important educational venue, with a full slate of informative education sessions addressing the latest topics of concern to business aircraft operators planned for EBACE2017. Show delegates will also have important opportunities to speak directly with representatives with hundreds of companies, including business aircraft manufacturers, handling organizations, and fractional providers.

Above all, EBACE2017 will showcase how business aviation offers the unparalleled ability to link communities and companies around the world, connecting entrepreneurs to opportunities in North America, Europe, and across the globe. On behalf of NBAA, I extend an invitation to the Economic Journal readership to experience this powerful demonstration of business aviation’s importance at EBACE2017.

Ed Bolen, President and CEO, National Business Aviation Association