The 2016 edition of the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibtion (Ebace) was characterised by excitement, enthusiasm, and enduring value, the organisers said. 

As Ebace closed yesterday, organisers said the show continues to demonstrate its standing as Europe’s foremost business aviation event. 

Jointly hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) of the US and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and held from May 24 to 26, Ebace 2016 featured more than 450 exhibitors, representing more than 40 countries. 

The sold-out static display of aircraft featured 60 aircraft – some were new to the event, or making a first show debut at Ebace. The footprint for the show was the largest to date, with attendees coming from more than 100 countries from the European region and beyond.

“By the numbers this has been an enormously successful Ebace,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen, “Our static display was completely sold out, the exhibit footprint was our largest ever, we had over 450 exhibitors and we had over 400 reporters covering over 20 press conferences.” 

EBAA CEO Fabio Gamba agreed. “You can really feel that people are here to do business. They are actually looking at the show as the premier place to do business. 

He continued: This year’s show was a terrific success, characterised by a full exhibit floor, with lots of business getting done. It’s an affirmation that Ebace remains Europe’s most important industry event.”

EBAA President Brian Humphries agreed too. “We’re very pleased with the level of enthusiasm we’ve seen this year,” he said. “In addition to the busy show floor and sold-out aircraft static display, our seminars and education sessions were well attended, and participants were very engaged with presenters and one another.”

Bolen added: “Exhibitors and attendees repeatedly told us this week that the show continues to be a must-attend on the industry calendar. Additionally, Ebace once again highlighted the size and significance of business aviation in Europe, and around the world.”

Gamba, Humphries and Bolen pointed to several figures illustrating the success of this year’s show:

• Ebace featured more than 450 exhibitors, representing more than 40 countries. The static display of aircraft featured 60 aircraft – some were new to the event, or made their world debut at Ebace. The footprint for the show, as measured by square metres for exhibitors and the aircraft display, was the largest to date.

• Attendees came from more than 100 countries, from the European region and beyond.

• The show’s Opening General Session line-up was among the strongest ever, featuring leaders from government and industry. Keynote speakers included former Foreign Minister of France and co-founder of Doctors Without Borders, Dr Bernard Kouchner; Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Patrick Ky, and Channel IT Group founder and CEO Bassim Haidar, whose company provides telecommunications and electricity in 23 countries in Asia, Latin America, Africa and the Middle East. Haidar has extensively used business aviation to help his company be more flexible, efficient and successful.

• The event included two day-long seminars – one related to aircraft transactions, the other on business aviation safety – as well as a host of education sessions covering important industry topics and trends. The show’s popular “Inspiration Zone” had sessions on timely topics, including considerations for business aviation operations in parts of the world affected by the Zika virus.

• Ebace was again a powerful venue for closing deals and generating headlines, with a variety of press conferences held during the show, and more than 400 journalists from all over the world in attendance.

“By every measure, Ebace was a great success, and we are delighted with the support we’ve received from exhibitors and attendees,” Gamba concluded. “We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Geneva for Ebace 2017.” 

The 2017 edition of the show returns to Geneva, Switzerland next year from May 22 to 24.