EBACE2009 Hosts Third-Largest Turnout

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As the ninth European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) closed, event organizers cheered the show’s place in the record books as the third-largest EBACE ever with 10,917 registered attendees.

“This year’s EBACE has met and exceeded all expectations,” Brian Humphries, EBAA President and CEO, said. “I take great encouragement from the level of participation and support we had for this year’s event and from all the favorable comments we have received from exhibitors.”

“As everyone knows, the business aviation community has been confronting one of the worst economic storms anyone can remember,” NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen said. “That EBACE would have its third-largest turnout this year demonstrates the value of the show to our industry.”

A total of 411 exhibitors, occupying approximately 1900 booth spaces, were at Geneva PALEXPO, and a static display of aircraft at Geneva International Airport included 65 business aircraft, up from 60 in 2008.

  • The show’s opening general session and education sessions highlighted findings in a recent study showing that business aviation in the European region was responsible for 164,000 jobs and €19.7 billion in economic activity in 2007.
  • Featured for the first time at EBACE was a session called “Business Aviation: Perception Versus Reality” that focused on efforts by EBAA, NBAA, the General Aviation Manufacturers Association and the European General Aviation Manufacturers Group to inform policymakers and opinion leaders about the value of business aviation to citizens and communities in all parts of the world.
  • The 2009 European Business Aviation Awards honored individuals and organizations who have championed the industry and repeatedly advocated for business aviation at federal, state and local levels.

Next year’s EBACE, which will mark the 10th anniversary of the event, is scheduled for May 4-6, 2010 at Geneva PALEXPO and Geneva International Airport.

To review highlights from the event, including photos and presentations, visit ebace.aero.