Second-Annual EBACE Careers in Business Aviation Day Explores Industry’s Future
31 May, 2018
More than 250 students from across the continent came to the 2018 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2018) 31 May to learn about the range of pioneering, innovative and diverse career opportunities available in the business aviation industry, during the second annual EBACE Careers in Business Aviation Day.
The EBACE Innovation Zone event kicked off with the discussion “Beyond limits: What a Career in Business Aviation Could Look Like,” and how the industry stands to change over the next decade. Offering guidance on that issue is the recent EBAA survey “Expanding Horizons: How Millennials see the Future of Business Aviation,” in which more than 2,000 young people across Europe were asked for their impressions about the industry and how they believe air transportation will evolve.
“We analyzed five megatrends that are influencing our world, and affecting any kind of job you may do,” said Andrea Gerosa, founder of ThinkYoung, the firm that conducted the analysis.
Those surveyed believe that climate change, digitization and artificial intelligence are trends that stand most to influence their career paths – and each is an area that will require young professionals to address them, said Alexander Bielefeld, a consultant to EBAA and director of strategic communications and policy at Burson-Marsteller Sport.
“One of the key challenges of this industry is to attract new talent,” he continued. “I made my career choice about 15 years ago, but what I’ve learned over the past year of working with this industry is something that had I known it 15 years earlier I would have made a different choice. Some amongst you already know exactly what they want to do, and they’ll find access to the companies where they want to work because it’s a passion that drives them.
“Others may still be undecided, and for those people it’s crucial to have insight to what an industry has to offer,” he continued. “Our challenge is to open up and show that to you.”
Bernhard Fragner, CEO of jet charter operator GlobeAir, offered attendees practical advice from the perspective of a business aviation operator. “Whatever you do in business, think about what you’re selling, and sell the problem your product solves,” he told attendees. “I don’t sell my customers seats on a jet; I sell them time, which has incredible value.”
Following the presentation, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable discussion with industry leaders and meet with representatives of business aviation companies and providers on guided tours of the EBACE exhibit floor and static display of aircraft.
“These people really represent the diversity of career opportunities within the industry,” said session moderator Peter Korns with NBAA. “We want you to explore, ask questions and get a sense of what business aviation is, [because] we need young, innovative minds to carry us through the next generation.”