Notwithstanding the economic gloom in Europe, the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) 2013 held at Palexpo and Geneva International Airport from May 21 to 23, made an emphatic statement that business aviation would continue to remain at the core of the growth of the aviation industry in the region. The CEO of European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), Fabio Gamba reflected this sentiment when he said “What I saw at EBACE 2013 was an industry that is not only addressing the economic situation in this region, but one that is taking the necessary steps to ensure that business aviation remains essential in Europe.” Endorsing the sentiment were several primes who brought to the show the latest of products and solutions, as Europe, after the US, is a trendsetter of sorts in the business aviation industry.

Jointly hosted by EBAA and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) of the US, the three-day event featured static display of 52 aircraft, education sessions as also maintenance and operations sessions. European Business Aviation Association reported an attendance of over 12,300 delegates, a figure on par with those in recent years. Though there were only 460 exhibitors as against last year’s 491, the enthusiasm of the industry never dampened. It is the third highest number of exhibitors in the event’s 13-year history. NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen agreed, stating, “Just like last year, EBACE has proven to be of great value to the business aviation community. It has been a place where the industry has rallied together, made new announcements and set a positive tone, all of which has the business aviation community looking forward to the future.” EBAA President Brian Humphries said, “One thing remains clear: EBACE continues to be the single-most important European event on the industry’s calendar and the best opportunity for buyers and sellers to connect in Europe.”

Bombardier Launches Challenger 350

At a special event during EBACE, Bombardier Aerospace launched the Challenger 350 jet along with worldwide leader in private aviation NetJets. Deliveries are expected to begin in 2014. “The Challenger 350 jet will take our existing Challenger family to new heights,” said Steve Ridolfi, President, Bombardier Business Aircraft. The Canadian aerospace major also showcased the first production Learjet 75 jet. The new jet features the pioneering Bombardier Vision Flight Deck with an interior influenced from its bigger stable-mate, the Learjet 85. Alongside the debutante were the three additional class-leading jets—Challenger 300, Challenger 605 and Global 6000.

Actor and pilot John Travolta was the cynosure of all eyes at EBACE. Ambassador of Bombardier, Travolta, called the Challenger “a really pilot-friendly airplane”, and added, “I want one.”

BBJ-3 Talks About Range

Boeing put on the show for the first time the BBJ-3, an airplane based on the 737-900 ER, and outfitted with its custom VIP interiors at Jet Aviation in Basel, Switzerland. The range of the BBJ-3 exceeds that of other business jets in its class. It can fly 4,900 nautical miles, over 1,500 nautical miles farther than its direct competitor. The BBJ-3 carries 38 passengers and eight crew. It has a large cargo area that holds 230 pieces of baggage.

Pilatus presents PC-24 ‘Super Versatile Jet’

Pilatus Aircraft Ltd unveiled the PC-24, the world’s first “Super Versatile Jet”. The entirely new PC-24 sees traditional Pilatus values of versatility, efficiency and Swiss precision brought together in a business jet for the very first time. This innovative development by the Swiss aircraft manufacturer marks the creation of a new segment in the business aviation market. The PC-24 is the first business jet worldwide with the ability to use very short runways, paved or unpaved, and a cargo door as standard.

Oscar J. Schwenk, Chairman, Board of Directors at Pilatus, remembers: “Over ten years ago, we started asking our PC-12 customers what they would like to see in the next Pilatus aircraft. The answers were always the same, further and faster whilst retaining the much appreciated strengths of the PC-12 such as short-field operations capability. It was a huge challenge for our development team! We are all the more proud to be able to unveil an aircraft with exactly those qualities today, the PC-24.”

“Work on the prototype in Stans is in full swing. The rollout is scheduled for the third quarter of 2014. The PC-24 will takeoff on its maiden flight end 2014. Certification by the European (EASA) and American (FAA) authorities is planned for early 2017 and the first aircraft will be delivered immediately thereafter.” Schwenk has no doubt that the PC-24 will be just as successful as the PC-12, of which over 1,200 have been sold till date. “The PC-24 is a completely new development—not a ‘me too product’. Specifically, there is no other business jet in the market with the same credentials and qualities as our new jet. The list price is approximately $8.9 million. First orders will be taken at EBACE 2014.”

Beechcraft Bounces Back

Beechcraft Corporation made a strong presence at EBACE, thus signalling that it had left its troubled financial past behind. At Geneva, Beechcraft delivered a new Beechcraft Baron G58 twinengine piston to SaxonAir of Norwich, United Kingdom. Beechcraft Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Shawn Vick said, “We are now a well-capitalised company with a definitive plan for all our platforms. We are confident that there will be new product announcements from 2014 until the end of the decade.” Beechcraft’s static display included the King Air 250, C90GTx, 350i, 350ER special mission demonstrator, currently on a global demonstration tour, the G58 and G36.

Embraer’s Legacy 500

Legacy 500 from Embraer Executive Jets made its debut here besides premiering a cinematic-style film starring the Legacy 500, illustrating how the company is bringing tomorrow’s aircraft to the market today. “Embraer Executive Jets has already created a lot of comments about the Legacy 500 and now people can take a look at this remarkable aircraft for themselves,” said Ernest Edwards, President, Embraer Executive Jets.

Impressive Falcon

Dassault Falcon presented a full line-up of long-range largecabin executive jets, including the recently certificated Falcon 2000S, entry-level jet along with the Falcon 900LX longrange aircraft and the top-of-the-line Falcon 7X. Dassault also highlighted the EASy II advanced avionics suite, FalconCabin HD+ entertainment system and FalconBroadcast airborne health monitoring service, which in the first half of 2013 were expanded to all new Falcon models.

Gulfstream Remains Bullish

Gulfstream President Larry Flynn was optimistic at EBACE that despite “headwinds” in the industry, the company remained bullish about market prospects. While stating that “uncertainty” in financial markets, political instability in the Middle East and elsewhere, and austerity programmes in Europe have all contributed to a more challenging market for some of Gulfstream’s products, he was pleased with the performance of the company’s two newest products, the super-midsize G280 and the ultra-long-range G650.

Nextant Apoints Av iators in India

Nextant Aerospace, maker of the Nextant 400XTi, the world’s only remanufactured business jet, announced the appointment of Aviators as the exclusive sales agent for India. The company will place an initial order for three 400XTi dedicated air ambulances valued at $15 million ( Rs. 82.5 crore). Aviators has vast history and deep experience with the Indian business aviation market and will play a key role in defining Nextant’s sales, marketing and customer service strategy in the region.

Established in 1994, Aviators markets and operates aircraft and helicopters in India. The company’s latest proposal is India’s first dedicated air ambulance service to facilitate quick assistance during emergency medical situations and for missions of critical transport. The addition of the three Nextant 400XTi air ambulances will complement their fleet of helicopter air ambulances, planned to start operations next year.

Honeywell Range of Solutions

Honeywell highlighted its retrofit, modification and upgrade (RMU) solutions that offer cost-effective technologies that bring improved efficiency, connectivity and safety to operators. Honeywell is currently fitting the system on TAG Aviation’s new Bombardier Global 6000 aircraft in partnership with Jet Aviation St. Louis. EBACE participants got the opportunity to experience a fully functioning mock up of the FAA and EASAcertified Ovation Select system.

In addition to the cabin retrofits and upgrades, Honeywell also showcased several avionics upgrades. The company introduced a new range of SMART upgrades with discount pricing for the Cessna Citation X to improve navigation, pilot situational awareness, connectivity and safety. It also announced EASA certification for flight management system (FMS) 6.1 on the Global Express to add WAAS LPV capability, as well as FAA and EASA certification of Honeywell’s Primus Epic-based EASy II flight deck for Dassault Falcon F2000 and F7X aircraft.

Honeywell announced Eclipse as a satellite communications distributor in the EMEA region. Satcom Direct, provider of satellite voice, fax, data link and Internet communications solutions, signed an agreement with Honeywell to be a business aviation distribution partner for Inmarsat GX Aviation Ka-band services and will be a distributor of GX avionics equipment. Through this agreement, customers will be able to purchase GX Aviation services through Satcom Direct, and package it with existing services for a complete aircraft communications solution.

Jetex and Honeywell signed a partnership agreement to boost their respective flight planning, aircraft data link, flight following and international trip support offerings to make it easier for business jet operators to plan and manage flights around the world.

Piper and its European Dealers

Piper Aircraft Inc., its European dealers and sales agents displayed a 2013 single-engine turboprop M-Class Meridian at the show. “This venue is truly Europe’s premier event focused on business aviation, and Piper’s M-Class aircraft offer European companies an alternative to higher cost twin-engine business aircraft,” said Piper Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Drew McEwen.

VIP and executive versions of EC175

Eurocopter set a new standard in business and private aviation by unveiling the next-generation EC175 helicopter in its Executive and VIP versions, which combine unparalleled elements of style and comfort with the largest cabin of any medium-sized twin-engine helicopter. The EC175 Executive and VIP versions, integrates a superior level of interior cabin creativity. These aircraft will be Eurocopter’s top-of-the-range products in their segments. The EC175 VIP is offered in three different styles, all accommodating from six to eight passengers. The first style is “avant-garde,” inspired by modern sport cars; the second brings the French flair—contemporary and highly sophisticated—inspired by modern penthouse interiors; while the third is more classical, inspired by the grand villas of Europe.

HondaJet achieving milestones

Honda Aircraft Company highlighted the milestones achieved in the development of the HondaJet, the world’s most advanced light jet. “The HondaJet programme is steadily approaching the final phase of flight testing and manufacturing has transitioned to production of customer aircraft,” said Michimasa Fujino, President and CEO of Honda Aircraft Company. “I’m committed to bringing new value to aviation by introducing the HondaJet. At the same time, Honda Aircraft Company continues to build the infrastructure and talent to design, manufacture and service this revolutionary aircraft.”

Piaggio Aero’s maintenance plan for P. 180 Av anti/II

Piaggio Aero announced a reduced maintenance programme for its Piaggio P. 180 Avanti/II aircraft. In its ongoing quest to make the already fuel-efficient aircraft even more costeffective to operate, Piaggio Aero announced that it has now approved a revised maintenance programme with extended inspection intervals for its fuel-efficient twin turboprop. In early 2013, the 10-year time between overhauls of the Piaggio Aero P. 180 Avanti/II aircraft landing gear was extended from 10 to 12 years.

RUAG & Dassault celebrated 25 years of success

Year 2013 marks the 25th anniversary of the highly successful partnership between Dassault Aviation and its authorised service centre, RUAG Aviation. In recognition of the long-standing partnership between the two companies, a ceremony was held at EBACE in which Dassault Aviation presented RUAG Aviation with an official token of appreciation.

CAE’s many announcements

On the eve of EBACE 2013, CAE launched the CAE RealCase Troubleshooting for maintenance training. The innovative methodology is now available for the Dassault Falcon 7X, Falcon 900EX EASy and Falcon 2000EX EASy models. CAE Real-Case Troubleshooting for maintenance training was developed using the same principles behind CAE RealCase for recurrent pilot training incorporating recent real life event scenariosinto training. CAE and Aviation Performance Solutions (APS) announced an extension of their partnership to provide upset prevention and recovery training (UPRT) for business aircraft pilots in Europe. The programme uses proven e-Learning webbased academics, in-aircraft practical skill development and full flight simulator exercises and scenarios.

Emirates-CAE Flight Training (ECFT) and the Middle East Business Aviation Association (MEBAA) announced a new service package entitled MEBAA Total Training Service to be offered exclusively to MEBAA members.

Airbus ACJ318 Cabin view

Airbus showcased an ACJ 318 corporate jet, giving potential customers the chance to see how much wider and taller its cabin is in comparison with other large business jets. The Airbus ACJ 318 which was on display is operated by Tyrolean Jet Services of Austria for a private customer, as well as on VVIP charters. The aircraft features lounge areas, a private room that doubles as an office and a bedroom plus beautiful bathrooms.

VistaJet’s historic deal

VistaJet International and Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI) declared the enrolment of 50 Bombardier Global 5000 and Global 6000 aircraft onto JSSI’s Platinum Engine and APU hourly cost maintenance programmes. The long-term agreement is valued at over $205 million ( Rs. 1,128 crore) based on JSSI 2013 list prices. The aircraft are part of VistaJet’s largest order in aviation history placed in November 2012.

Cessna confident on European economic upswing

Speaking at the EBACE in Geneva, Switzerland, Kriya Shortt, Senior Vice President of Sales, said: “While the euro zone as a whole remains in recession, there are bright spots that give grounds for optimism. Many economists expect Germany, a major business aviation market, to benefit from rising exports and domestic consumption in coming months.” The company officials said that Cessna is well prepared for the future with a long line of new product developments all running as per schedule. The first production flight for the new Citation Sovereign took place in April this year. The company is also making progress on two key line up additions for their family of Citation business jets. The Citation Latitude and Citation Longitude programmes are both bringing new performance and innovation to two different categories of business aviation.

Cobham’s SwiftBroadband Communication Solution

Cobham SATCOM announced on the second day of EBACE that its versatile SwiftBroadband communication solution, Aviator 300, has received a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for installation on Bombardier’s Challenger 300. The announcement followed a confirmation that the Aviator 300 has received a European Aviation Safety Agency STC for its use aboard the Cessna 550, 550 Bravo and S550.

AgustaWestland at EBACE

AgustaWestland’s static display featured a GrandNew light twin helicopter in a special ‘James Bond 007’ style livery, a full scale mock up of the dedicated VIP interior for the new generation AW169 light-intermediate twin, 4.5-tonne class helicopter developed by MAG and a scaled model of the exclusive VIP interior for the best selling AW139 intermediate twin by the popular and leading fashion design house Karl Lagerfeld. A sophisticated luxury interior developed through the collaboration with Karl Lagerfeld for the AW139 was also showcased, featuring a four-seat and two-cabinet configuration. Also, a MAG VIP cabin mock up designed for the all new AW169 was exhibited showing some of the possible high quality solutions which can be offered by AgustaWestland through its large range of tailored solutions to satisfy any request on a customer demand basis.

Emphasis on Safety

The 2013 show kicked off with the opening session that featured top aviation authorities discussing the state of the industry in Europe. Siim Kallas, European Commissioner for Transport, reported on implementation of the Single European Sky, while Patrick Ky, Managing Director of the Joint Undertaking for the Single European Sky ATM Research (SESAR) programme, addressed the ongoing development of this next-generation overhaul of European airspace operations.

On May 20, the one-day EBACE Safety Workshop provided critical safety information to operators, with a particular focus on human performance factors, while an EBACE Cabin Crew Symposium addressed safety, security, service and training issues relevant to business aviation cabin crew operations.