Aerospace Innovators and Policymakers to Keynote at EBACE2019

Geneva, Switzerland, 15 May 2019 – Show organizers announced today that Volocopter CEO Florian Reuter and the Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps, United Kingdom (UK) member of Parliament, will open the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2019), taking place 21-23 May in Geneva, Switzerland.

EBACE is jointly hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) at Geneva International Airport and Palexpo conference center.

“EBACE is a unique opportunity to hear from forward-thinking leaders in government and industry,” said EBAA Secretary General Athar Husain Khan, “and this year will include perspectives from a UK leader focused on general aviation, and a CEO with a pioneering European company leading the way on new modes of air transport.”

Florian Reuter

Reuter joined Volocopter in 2015 and has overseen its growth from a team of four to more than 120 people. A pioneer of urban air mobility, Volocopter successfully conducted the world’s first manned flight of an entirely electrical multi-copter. Since then, the aviation startup has earned provisional licensing for its two-seater Volocopter from the German aviation authorities, and in 2017 showcased the first-ever autonomous flight of an urban air taxi in cooperation with RTA Dubai.

Before joining Volocopter, Reuter launched and oversaw technology startups as a venture manager with Siemens in Munich. In his leadership role, he draws on his extensive international experience (having worked as a management consultant in several countries) to turn Volocopter’s vision of mobility for all into a reality.

Rt. Hon. Grant Shapps

Shapps, a leading member of the Conservative party, has represented Welwyn Hatfield in the House of Commons since 2005. He currently serves as chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation. In that role, he has championed the UK’s general aviation airports.

Since joining Parliament, Shapps has held leadership roles in the Conservative Party as well as the Cabinet. In 2015, he became the first MP to simultaneously serve as both Minister of State for International Development and Minister of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Previously, he served as chair of the Conservative Party and Minister without Portfolio in the Cabinet. As party chair, he helped lead the Conservatives to a majority in the 2015 elections.

Shapps was made a Privy Counsellor by the Queen in 2010. He currently also serves as co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Blockchain. Prior to holding elected office, Shapps started a printing shop. He holds a pilot’s license in the UK.

“We’re honored to have such bold leaders with us for the Opening Keynote Session at EBACE,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. “EBACE is Europe’s best forum to share the latest ideas in aviation policy, new business models and technology, and this year’s show features a full lineup of visionaries.”

EBACE2019 brings together the world’s leading aviation manufacturers, top business leaders and entrepreneurs in the largest annual event dedicated to Europe’s business aviation industry. Learn more about EBACE2019.