EBACE2016 Serves as Advocacy Platform for Business Aviation Industry

23 May 2016

With more than 450 exhibitors, 60 aircraft on a sold-out static display of aircraft and a dozen education and networking sessions planned, the 2016 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2016) is shaping up to be one of the largest it’s ever been.

“EBACE isn’t just a buying and selling event – it’s an advocacy platform,” National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) President and CEO Ed Bolen said 23 May at the annual Media Luncheon, sponsored by Dassault Aviation, and held the day before the start of the show, which runs through 26 May at Palexpo convention center and Geneva International Airport.

“EBACE serves the industry as as more than just a strong show,” he added. “It’s a showcase for the importance of business aviation in creating jobs, connecting communities and helping companies succeed.”

Fabio Gamba, chief executive officer of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), highlighted the show’s strong Opening General Session, slated for 24 May. Speakers include: Patrick Ky, executive director of the European Aviation Safety Agency; Bernard Kouchner, former Foreign Minister of France and co-founder of Doctors Without Borders and Bassim Haidar, founder and CEO of Channel IT Group.

Gamba also spoke about studies EBAA has undertaken to promote the value the business aviation industry brings to Europe. The Booz Allen Hamilton report found that about in Europe, about 400,000 jobs are created by the industry, with a total economic impact of about 100 billion €.

But those figures don’t tell the whole story, he said, business aviation saves passengers up to five hours over their best commercial flight alternatives and serves more than 25,000 airport-pairs in Europe that are not connected to commercial airlines.

The study is topical, Gamba noted, as EBAA plans to be a part of the European Commission’s “Aviation Strategy,” aimed at boosting the competitiveness and value of the European air transit sector.

Also at the luncheon, Pete Bunce, president and CEO of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, and Nicolas Chabbert, chairman of the European General Aviation Manufacturers Association, spoke to the press about current regulatory issues and challenges facing the industry.