Event Makes Clear: Business Aviation Is the Right Tool For
Challenging Times
As the ninth European Business Aviation Convention &
Exhibition (EBACE) drew to a close here Thursday, event organizers
cheered the show's place in the record-books as the third-largest
EBACE ever, with 10,917 registered Attendees.
Jointly presented by the European Business Aviation Association
(EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), EBACE is
the flagship event for the business aviation community in Europe,
drawing participants not only from the region, but also from
Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
"This year's EBACE has met and exceeded all expectations," said
Brian Humphries, EBAA President and CEO. "I take great
encouragement from the level of participation and support we had
for this year's event, and from all the favorable comments we have
received from Exhibitors."
NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed. "As everyone knows, the
business aviation community has been confronting one of the worst
economic storms anyone can remember," Bolen (pictured below) said.
"That EBACE would have its third-largest turnout this year
demonstrates the value of the show to our
industry."
Humphries and Bolen lauded Exhibitors' participation in the
event. A total of 411 Exhibitors, occupying approximately 1,900
booth spaces, were at Geneva PALEXPO, and a Static Display of
Aircraft at nearby Geneva International Airport included 65
business aircraft, up from 60 the previous year.
In addition to the value EBACE provided for Exhibitors and
Attendees, the event showcased the essential role of business
aviation in supporting jobs, mobility and economic opportunity
around the world. For example:
-
The show's Opening General Session
and education sessions highlighted findings in a recent study
showing that business aviation in the European region was
responsible for 164,000 jobs and €19.7 billion in economic
activity in 2007 alone.
- Featured for the first time at EBACE was a session entitled,
"Business Aviation: Perception Versus Reality," focusing on efforts
by EBAA, NBAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association, the
and the European General Aviation Manufacturers Group to inform
policymakers and opinion leaders about the true value of business
aviation to citizens and communities in all parts of the
world.
- The 2009 European Business Aviation Awards honored individuals
and organizations who have championed the industry, and repeatedly
advocated for business aviation at federal, state and local
levels.
"More than ever, EBACE demonstrated that business aviation is
the right tool for challenging times," Humphries said.
Next year's EBACE, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the
event, is scheduled for May 4-6, 2010 at Geneva PALEXPO and Geneva
International Airport. EBAA and NBAA have secured dates for EBACE
through 2015.