One of the largest gatherings for the business aviation industry in Europe concluded after a grand celebration of the industry’s advancements. Co-hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) 2024 yet again highlighted groundbreaking trends and technologies in air travel. Held from May 28-30 in Geneva, the event featured the debut of new aircraft and industry innovations, alongside a Sustainability Summit. Attendees experienced the latest in bizjets, turboprops, rotorcraft, and advanced air mobility (AAM) vehicles, including electric- and hydrogen-powered, zero-emission aircraft, alongside some promising announcements, deals, and launches.

EBACE2024 also offered an insight into the industry through the various discussions that took place on and off the stage. Key data analysts expressed confidence in industry growth for the second half of 2024, despite challenges with supply chains and workforce shortages as many presented an outlook of the industry. Global business aviation flights rose 1.2 per cent year-over-year from January to April 2024, though overall traffic dipped 1.5 per cent, according to WingX. Business aviation fleets showed strong growth, with single-tail operators experiencing an 18.1 per cent year-over-year increase. They also highlighted a unique global trend that witnessed European fleet growth outpacing the region’s GDP growth.

Post-pandemic supply chain issues have impacted production and services in 2024, but pressures are easing. A JetNet iQ survey of 439 owners and operators identified supply chain recovery and talent retention as significant challenges. Global Jet Capital (GJC) forecasted the business jet market will reach $193 billion in transactions between 2024 and 2028, with new deliveries projected to grow by 9.4 per cent this year and an average annual rate of 3.2 per cent over the next five years.

The event also noted the shortage of pilots in the industry, along with a lack of maintenance technicians, and other roles, with a 2023 CAE study projecting the need for 1,06,000 new business aviation professionals by 2032. The convention allowed a space for young professionals to interact and engage with experts from the industry and hear them during significant discussions that were centered on attracting young talent through outreach, internships, mentoring, and access to industry events. Despite challenges, the outlook for business aviation remains optimistic, with expected growth in charter flight demand and fleet expansion.

DISPLAYING AVIATION EXCELLENCE

Although key players like Gulfstream and Bombardier chose not to exhibit this year, the event still featured other major players, numerous exciting debuts, including VoltAero’s first eVTOL vehicle and various hydrogen and electric innovations. Bombardier chose to skip EBACE2024 to concentrate on regional marketing strategies but emphasised its ongoing support for EBAA and NBAA initiatives. Similarly, Gulfstream decided not to participate, aligning this choice with its business objectives.

The 2024 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition elevated its aircraft display to new heights, featuring the newly certified Gulfstream G700, striking business jets from Airbus, Boeing, and Dassault, and an impressive array of Textron airplanes. Dassault Falcon soared at EBACE taking center stage and showcasing its cutting-edge Falcon business jets to experience unparalleled comfort and performance. The recently launched Falcon 6X with its extra-wide cabin, alongside the ultra-long range Falcon 8X and popular 2000LXS were on display. Also offered was a sneak peek at the updated Falcon 10X mockup besides the service solutions with Dassault’s award-winning customer support team.

• Pilatus Aircraft debuted the upgraded PC-24 with a 600-pound payload increase, extended range, and new side-facing divan convertible to a bed. Pilatus also showcased the PC-12NGX turboprop.
• Tecnam presented the P2012 STOL piston twin, approved for steep approaches and designed for short takeoff and landing operations. Tecnam’s P2012 STOL is the only twinpiston aircraft with such capabilities that complies with the latest certification amendments.
• Airbus Corporate Jets and Comlux displayed an ACJ TwoTwenty, emphasising its spacious cabin and intercontinental range, along with the ACH175 helicopter in a 12-passenger configuration.
• The first of five ACH160s for Air Corporate, which announced an order for 43 Airbus helicopters at the 2023 edition of the show, was also on display at EBACE2024.
• Dassault Aviation flew the Falcon 8X from Paris to Geneva, showcasing advanced technology, and presented a full-scale mockup of the 10X set for 2027.
• Leonardo unveiled a full-scale cabin mockup of the AW09 single-engine helicopter, marking its official entry into the Agusta family.
• Lufthansa Technik (LHT) showcased updates to its Networked Integrated Cabin Equipment (Nice) inflight entertainment (IFE) and cabin management platform, new aeromedical cabin systems, an innovative antenna radome, and a chemical-free fuel tank sanitisation method.
• Embraer highlighted the Praetor 600 and Phenom 300E, underscoring their suitability for European operators.
• VoltAero displayed a mockup of its hybrid-electric Cassio aircraft and demonstrated its technology with biofuel-powered flights. The company also flew its technology demonstrator aircraft to the event in Geneva from its headquarters in western France, running the propulsion system on biofuels made from wine.
• Lilium unveiled a full-scale model of the eVTOL aircraft targeting a 2026 market entry, aiming to connect communities across the French Riviera.
• Qatar Executive (QE) showcased a brand-new Gulfstream G700, soon to enter commercial service with a fleet of 10 by 2025.
• Alliance Aviation Group presented a newly painted Bombardier Global 6000.
• Textron Aviation displayed the Cessna Citation Longitude, Citation Latitude, Citation CJ4 Gen2, M2 Gen2, and the Beechcraft King Air 360.

EBACE2024 highlighted groundbreaking advancements and a collective vision for a sustainable future, with each display contributing to the vibrant mosaic of business aviation’s next chapter.

ALLIANCES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

When industry leaders converge in a hub brimming with technological advancements, key discussions, and captivating displays, the event is bound to be more than just talks and sights. Collaborations, launches, deals, celebrations, and announcements are inevitable. Here are some of the major highlights from EBACE2024:

• Viasat underscored its dedication to improving connectivity solutions and fostering partnerships within the business aviation sector. The company celebrated the approval of Satcom Direct’s Plane Simple Ka-band tail mount terminal for the Gulfstream G650, a significant milestone in the rollout of SD’s antenna series.
• Axis Aviation introduced its asset management platform designed to simplify tasks and provide accessible, transparent information.
• Celebrating its 40th anniversary and making its EBACE debut last year, UK-based trip support provider General Aviation Services (G.A.S.) that offers permits, ground-handling solutions, and cost-effective fuel options across Africa and globally, expanded its operations to Botswana, Namibia, and Mozambique.
• Aria Hotels, a subsidiary of Libra Group, announced plans to construct and operate four vertiports across Greece worth €50 million of investment.
• Leonardo expanded its order book for the AW09 light helicopter through a distributorship agreement with Universal Vulkaan Aviation in India, adding five orders, and recent partnerships with Léman Aviation and Sloane, totaling 19 orders. Overall, AW09 orders have surpassed 100.
• Geneva-based Titan Aviation Fuels International expanded its European SAF distribution network with five new locations in Spain.
• Austria-based online aircraft charter facilitator VOO signed an agreement with European charter operator GlobeAir to offer exclusive instant booking capabilities for the GlobeAir fleet.
• Airbus Corporate Helicopters handed over the first ACH160 featuring the Lounge configuration of its Line cabin during a ceremony at EBACE2024.
• Lilium announced a partnership with Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and Italian infrastructure group UrbanV to develop vertiports at multiple locations, starting with Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, Cannes Mandelieu Airport, and Golfe de Saint-Tropez Airport.
• German air service provider Flyvbird partnered with travel planning company Moove to integrate Moove’s technology for faster, more sustainable air travel solutions.
• Textron Aviation announced enhancements to Garmin’s G5000 avionics for the Cessna Citation Latitude and Longitude, including the GDL 60 datalink for remote database downloading, a synthetic vision guidance system, 3D Safe-Taxi, taxi routing, and a runway occupancy awareness function.
• Aviation solutions provider UAS International Trip Support and aviation sustainability leader 4AIR announced a strategic partnership to offer sustainable aviation solutions to UAS’s global clientele.

EBACE2024 has once again solidified its position as a premier event in the business aviation calendar, highlighting the industry’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation. This year’s convention was a hub of cutting-edge technological advancements, insightful discussions, and strategic collaborations. From showcasing revolutionary low-emission aircraft to unveiling sophisticated connectivity solutions, EBACE2024 provided a comprehensive glimpse into the future of aviation. The event also served as a platform for fostering the next generation of aviation professionals, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve in a responsible and forwardthinking manner. The resounding theme of sustainability and innovation rang clear. The event not only celebrated significant strides in green technology and advanced air mobility but also emphasised the importance of collaboration and strategic partnerships in driving the industry forward. With major deals and groundbreaking announcements, EBACE2024 has set a high tone for the future of the business aviation industry.