A reimagined European Business Aviation Conference & Exhibition (EBACE) opened its doors in Geneva today, paving the way for the next era of Business Aviation. With a full day of programming on the Innovation Stage, EBACE25 set the tone for where the sector is headed.
From rethinking air charter to addressing the infrastructure challenges of next-gen mobility, the Innovation Stage brought together pioneers, policymakers and entrepreneurs to shape a future defined by sustainability, technology and operational transformation.
Speaking as the day’s sessions began, the European Business Aviation Association’s (EBAA) Secretary General Holger Krahmer said: “Innovation isn’t an add-on to Business Aviation, it’s part of its DNA. Whether it’s reducing emissions, expanding connectivity, or redefining aircraft design, the future of the sector depends on bold ideas and partnerships that bring them to life. That’s what EBACE is all about.”
In the opening session, ‘Navigating the Future: Tackling Challenges in Emerging Mobility Markets,’ leaders discussed how companies at the forefront of advanced air mobility (AAM) are building momentum in a complex regulatory and operational environment. Kalin Stoyanov, Business Development Lead at Daedalean, reflected on the delicate balance between vision and realism: “The promise of autonomous and electric flight is not a distant fantasy, it’s a near-term engineering challenge. But unlocking it requires unprecedented collaboration between innovators, regulators and infrastructure partners.”
Later in the day, ‘Hybrid-Electric: A Scalable Solution for Business Aviation’ explored the technological feasibility and commercial potential of hybrid propulsion systems. Rolf Stuber, CEO at Smartflyer AG, made the case for pragmatic sustainability: “Hybrid-electric flight offers a realistic and scalable path forward, and Business Aviation is uniquely positioned to lead the transition. To make that potential a reality, we now need harmonised certification pathways and sustained investment in the infrastructure that supports it.”
In ‘Revolutionizing Travel: Innovators Shaping the Future of Business, Leisure and Sustainability,’ panellists looked beyond the aircraft to the broader ecosystem of Business Aviation. Thorsten Luft, Executive Advisor at Vaeridion, spoke to the shifting demands of the next generation of travellers: “Efficiency, purpose, and climate responsibility are no longer optional. The companies that can deliver all three will shape the future of private and business mobility.”
Other sessions tackled the practicalities of scaling new technologies. ‘Preparing for First Operations – Airspace & Infrastructure Challenges’ addressed the operational readiness of AAM, from vertiports to ATC integration. Meanwhile, ‘Reinventing Air Charter: What’s Next?’ gathered market disruptors and digital leaders to debate the future of access, pricing and customer experience in on-demand aviation.
EBACE brings together the leaders innovating the future of Business Aviation With more innovation to come, the show’s 2025 edition symbolises the intersection of leadership, vision and technology.
For more information on EBACE programme and Innovation & Sustainability Stage content, visit: www.ebaa.org
