The business case for exhibiting at an expensive Swiss show and extra security measures to prevent eco-activists from invading the static display like they did in 2023 dominated conversations at the European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva last week.
Nevertheless, exhibitors and visitors used EBACE for what it was created for: showcasing products like Leonardo's AW09 and discussing how to solve business aviation's problems. Short-term issues ranged from airport access for business aircraft to ensuring enough pilots are in the training pipeline.
Meanwhile, sustainability was the overarching longer-term matter for business aviation.
In addition to conventional, albeit brand-new, business jets on the EBACE 2024 static display, futuristic vehicles and demonstrators could be seen on the Palexpo exhibit floor, such as in advanced air mobility and hydrogen-powered aircraft.