This year marked the 15th anniversary of the European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition (EBACE). Greek aviation companies were proud to take part in the number one event and conference for the continent’s aviation community.
Greek Aviation Companies at EBACE
Held at the Palexpo and Geneva International Airport late last month, EBACE gathered business leaders, government officials, manufacturers and corporate aviation department personnel. There were 500 exhibitors attended the convention with increased participation from emerging markets.
The leading manufacturers of business jet interior design took to the EBACE “stage” and announced new travel concepts and experiences. A total of 50 aircraft were on static display. Several new and impressive models took the limelight including the brand new business jets. There were a total of four new business jet models making their debut: Cessna Citation Latitude, Embraer Legacy 450, Bombardier Challenger 650 and HondaJet.
“I believe the mood at EBACE this year was positive and helped bring forth Greece’s presence in the international and European aviation market,” said Doulis Karafil, General Manager of Athens based Air Business International and the Greek Air Taxi Network. “Everyone in the industry is looking to reboot and so is Greece. It was fruitful to hear the discussion and exchange at one of the top level aviation events and conferences in the world.”
Optimism for the European Aviation Market
A recent AIN Online article was also positive about business aviation prospects for 2015 stating that despite a slow start so far this year, industry officials said the European market remains on track to slowly improve. In an interview with the industry portal, European Business Aviation Association CEO Fabio Gamba said that he had anticipated a stronger first few months. However, he concluded there was enough proof to support growth for the market this year, even if that growth remains to be seen at a lower level than desired. Gamba also pointed out that lower fuel prices should help spur activity and encourage market growth.
EBACE, held each year in Geneva since it began in 2001, has been run by the non-profit association European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). EBAA has more than 400 member companies that work all aspects of the business aviation sector and through the organization aim to promote excellence and professionalism. On long-standing goal is to ensure that business aviation is recognized as a vital sector of the European Economy. EBACE will return to Palexpo and Geneva International Airport from May 24-26, 2016.
