A record number of visitors, including 12,751 attendees from 108 countries, an increase from last year’s 11,186, and a record 511 exhibitors, exceeding the previous high mark of 445 companies were present at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) 2011 making it the second-highest total ever.

The business aviation market is burgeoning and this was visible at the eleventh edition of the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) 2011. “A record number of visitors, including 12,751 attendees from 108 countries, an increase from last year’s 11,186, and a record 511 exhibitors, exceeding the previous high mark of 445 companies were present, making it the secondhighest total ever,” claim the organisers.

An annual business aviation event, EBACE 2011, jointly hosted by the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), the leading association for business aviation in Europe and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the leading voice for the business aviation industry in the United States, was a three-day event organised from May 17 to 19 at the superb Geneva Palexpo and Geneva International Airport.

The event celebrated 11 years of partnership between EBAA and NBAA in hosting the event. It also showcased the ample opportunity in business aviation and related business; creating job openings and economic opportunity around the world. Besides exhibits including incredible static display of aircraft, learning sessions and maintenance and operations sessions were also organised during the event.

On Display

Rockwell Collins featured its latest innovations for advanced operations with its largest presence at EBACE 2011. One key feature of the show for Rockwell Collins was the introduction of Ascend European Union (EU) regional trip support (RTS)—a suite of flight support, maintenance operation and cabin services for European flight departments.

Cessna Aircraft Company displayed its latest version of the Citation X at the show before beginning a European demonstration tour. The Citation X on display featured the newly certified Honeywell Primus Elite avionics suite, new cabin management system and winglets. Cessna’s new Citation X is due to make its first flight later this year ahead of certification in the first half of 2013, with delivery following in the second half of 2013.

Airbus showcased its two largest corporate jets, an Airbus ACJ and an A320 Prestige, both of which were exhibited for the first time. The Airbus ACJ is operated by K5-Aviation GmbH and features a cabin completed by Fokker Services that features seating around tables, a lounge area, a private office/bedroom with ensuite bathroom and shower. The new Airbus A320 is managed by Comlux and is available for VVIP charter.

The first aircraft outfitted by Comlux America, an Airbus ACJ320 that features an outstandingly quiet cabin, was displayed at the EBACE show in Geneva, allowing potential customers to see its unmatched comfort, space and freedom of movement at firsthand.

Bombardier’s six of the high-performance Learjet, Challenger and Global business jets were on static display at the show, highlighting Bombardier’s comprehensive aircraft range—the widest product offering of all business jet manufacturers. The aircraft showcased were Learjet 45 XR aircraft, Learjet 60 XR aircraft, Challenger 300 aircraft, Challenger 605 aircraft, Challenger 850 aircraft, and the Global 6000 aircraft.

What’s New?

Eurocopter’s EC145 Mercedes-Benz Style helicopter, which features an easily transformable interior and is tailored for high-end corporate, executive and private operations, made its world debut at EBACE 2011. The first rotary-wing aircraft was displayed prior to its delivery to a European customer.

Dassault Falcon launched the Falcon 2000S, bringing a large cabin aircraft to the super mid-sized business jet market. It is offering category-leading payload, range, performance and efficiency. The 3,350 nm Falcon 2000S will feature inboard slats, high-Mach blended winglets, a new generation PW308C engine that produces fewer emissions, an entirely new BMW Group DesignworksUSA interior and redesigned cockpit aesthetics along with the next-generation EASy II flight deck. The Falcon 2000S is expected to be certified by the end of 2012 with deliveries beginning in early 2013.

Announcements

At the EBACE, Embraer and Portugal’s Ricon Group announced a contract for the acquisition of one Phenom 300 executive jet for its newly created subsidiary Everjets. Everjets plans to start operations with the aircraft in December 2011 in Southern Europe. The Phenom 300 will be available for charter, offering Everjets discerning passengers a striking new product for their travel needs.

Embraer and Comlux The Aviation Group announced a contract for the acquisition of three large Legacy 650 executive jets for the Fly Comlux Division, in Kazakhstan.

Rockwell Collins, the first to deliver high-definition (HD) cabin management systems to business aircraft, is now introducing a digital HD upgrade to aircraft equipped with its ACMS and CMS-1 cabin management systems.