The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition – the must-attend event for the industry – opens today in Geneva, Switzerland.

The 2015 edition features more than 450 exhibitors and 60 aircraft and is expected to be one of the best editions yet.

Now in its 15th edition, Ebace 2015 takes place at the Palexpo centre in Geneva from today until May 21. 

The show is considered Europe’s must-attend business aviation event, which provides an unprecedented opportunity to learn about business aviation in Europe, see the latest products and services and meet with customers and colleagues – all in one location. 

It is sponsored by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). 

“On top of the usual – and invaluable – networking and business opportunities at Ebace, this year’s show will feature highly insightful keynotes and education sessions on the relevant issues for our industry in 2015 and beyond. We expect this 15th show to be one of the best,” says EBAA President Brian Humphries.

The 450 exhibitors will be on a show floor covering three halls of the Geneva Palexpo conference centre. The exhibitors include fractional ownership, aircraft management and air charter companies; repair stations and maintenance facilities; flight planning services; aviation training providers; aircraft components and parts designers and more.

Major names exhibiting at the event include Aerion Corporation, Airbus Corporate Jets, AMAC Aerospace Switzerland, Bell Helicopter, BizJet International, Boeing Business Jets, Bombardier Business Aircraft, Comlux The Aviation Group, Credit Suisse, Dassault Aviation, Dubai Airshow, Embraer Executive Jets, Greenpoint Technologies, Gulfstream, Honda Aircraft Company, Honeywell, Jet Aviation, Lufthansa Technik,  the  Middle East and North Africa Business Aviation Association (MEBAA), Piaggio Aerospace, Pilatus Aircraft, Qatar Executive, Rizon Jet UK, Saudia Private Aviation, SR Technics, TAG Aviation, UBS, and Zodiac Aerospace, among others.

Ebace exhibitors have represented more than 60 countries in recent years, with the highest percentage of exhibiting companies from Europe and beyond.

“We are honoured to host exhibiting companies from around the globe at Ebace 2015,” says Chris Strong, NBAA’s senior vice president of conventions and membership.

“Typically, European companies represent just over half of all exhibiting companies, but we also see exhibitors from China, India and other regions,” he adds. “We know attendees will appreciate the opportunity to network with not only our returning exhibitors, but also those who will join us for the first time this year.”

The static display of aircraft at Ebace 2015 will be every bit as exciting, and more easily manoeuvrable for attendees, than ever before, the organisers say. Ebace is a frequent platform for significant new aircraft model announcements, and thus year’s edition is no exception.

This year’s static display at Geneva International Airport will feature more than 60 aircraft, including a new-model introduction and a first-time European appearance for another aircraft model. It also includes dozens of previously owned aircraft.

“Ebace is a must-attend show for business aviation professionals and end-users alike, particularly those who like to be up-to-date on the latest in new aircraft and product announcements,” says Joe Hart, NBAA director of static displays. “This show is unrivalled in Europe for a potential aircraft buyer’s ability to see different aircraft manufacturers, models and equipment side-by-side.”

New to Ebace 2015 is a single, contiguous static display footprint at the airport, which will ease the flow of traffic for visitors.

“Ebace is one of the most convenient locations for business aviation professionals and users, and this new layout for our static display will offer attendees an easier opportunity to compare aircraft models and features and see exciting new developments from many different aircraft manufacturers,” says Hart.

Ebace has traditionally been a popular platform for manufacturers to make significant new aircraft model announcements. 

In recent years, new aircraft announcements at Ebace have included the Pilatus PC-24, Textron Aviation’s Cessna Longitude and Bombardier’s Learjet 70 and 75. Variant and upgrade announcements are also popular at the show, including Bombardier’s Global Vision Cockpit for the Global 6000 and Dassault’s Falcon 2000S variant of the 2000LX.

This year’s Ebace celebrates its 15th year as the leading European business aviation trade show, education and networking event, with several special new features to help mark this milestone.

“We are excited to commemorate this great anniversary,” says Strong. “Obviously the business aviation community has faced significant challenges over the past decade and a half, but we’ve also experienced great innovation in equipment, safety and management methodology. Those innovations will be celebrated at Ebace 2015.”

The opening general session today will highlight the show’s history, including a look at original exhibitors and events. An awards’ luncheon later today will honour four individuals who were instrumental in the show’s initial success: Kathleen Blouin, NBAA’s former Senior Vice President of Conventions and Forums; EBAA President Humphries; former NBAA President Jack Olcott; and former EBAA CEO Fernand Francois – who will be recognised for their commitment to Ebace in its conception and initial years.

NBAA and EBAA plan to co-host a coffee social to celebrate the anniversary at their booths on the exhibit floor during the show, and throughout the event, attendees will have an opportunity to mark their participation at the anniversary event on a large signing wall on the exhibit floor. Signage hung throughout the exhibit hall will feature historic moments from the show’s inaugural year in 2000.

“While we look forward to celebrating the anniversary of Ebace and the exciting moments of the event’s past, we are also looking to the future by introducing new events and activities,” says Strong. “Our aim is to provide attendees with a fresh experience at the show.”

These new events will include an Innovation Zone, a dedicated area of the exhibit hall that will feature education sessions on hot topics like unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), a Women in Aviation networking event and a look at business aviation skills and careers. 

A young professionals’ networking event tomorrow and an exhibit area for UAS on the floor are other new activities offered at Ebace 2015.

“The young professionals’ networking event aims to support individuals with new careers in business aviation,” says Strong. “Development of young talent is critical to the sustained success of our industry and this event will provide an opportunity for young professionals to network with peers at this important juncture of their careers.”

Other key discussions will focus on the state of the industry, the capacity crunch at European airports, innovations in business aviation, Russian and East European markets, and business aviation around the world, which will also feature MEBAA’s Ali Ahmed Al Naqbi. 

A free Ebace 2015 mobile app for the iPad, iPhone is also available.