One of the biggest business aviation events is back after two years of pause due to the pandemic. The 2022 European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2022), “Europe’s premier on-demand aircraft and advanced air mobility event” is all set to bring the business aviation world together from May 23, 2022 to May 25, 2022 at Palexpo in Geneva, Switzerland, and the Geneva International Airport.

The event comes as an opportunity to experience new and future-forward aviation technologies including everything from high-tech small aircraft through ultra-modern intercontinental jets, advanced air mobility and eVTOL aircraft, state-of-the-art avionics and much more from all of the top aircraft manufacturers. This year’s show promises to highlight what the future holds for the industry, from advanced air mobility to new technology to promote sustainability and more. Taking forward from the previous editions’ focus on sustainability, innovation and a new generation of professionals, EBACE2022 envisions to chart a flight path for the future of the industry.

An EBACE preview webinar was organised on May 11, 2020 where the officials announced that over 250 exhibitors had registered for the event and the number is increasing each day.

EBACE2022 assembles the latest aircraft and aviation equipment manufacturers and suppliers, industry leaders, emerging technologies and more in one venue. Hosted by European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) and National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), this is not just an exhibition but also a platform that allows the stakeholders an insight into the business aviation world. It provides an opportunity to:

• Find out how new advanced technologies will impact your business.
• Explore which innovations can help make your business more profitable and sustainable.
• Engage with companies that are paving a new way in the business aviation marketplace.
• View and compare what’s on the market and the latest in avionics at the side-by-side aircraft display.
• Hear about the latest product innovations and advancements from OEMs and other aviation companies.

EBACE2022 promises a full lineup of sessions focused on the latest trends, featuring experts and providing solid takeaways and forward-looking education highlighting:

• Aircraft product evolution – driven by research and development.
• New sustainable technologies on display, demonstrated, and launched into existence.
• New approaches to managing safety, innovations in protocols and avionics, and give an update on safety legislation.

Key issues like Ukraine issue, supply chain disruptions etc are expected to be discussed. The event will also witness significant keynote sessions and opening remarks from renowned names including, Martina Navratilova, Tennis Champion as well as an aviation enthusiast; Maya Ghazal, the first female Syrian refugee pilot and UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and Zara Rutherford, the youngest woman to fly solo around the world.

INNOVATION

The EBACE2022 Innovation Pavilion will highlight the industry’s ongoing investment and development in bringing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) and advanced air mobility (AAM) aircraft to market, featuring nearly a dozen models from companies including Aeromobil, Lilium and Pipistrel. “There’s a lot of excitement surrounding AAM and we’re pleased to showcase these pioneering technologies at EBACE,” said Rachel Clementi, senior conference and innovation lead manager with EBAA. The Innovation Zone will feature AAM and innovationfocused education sessions and expert panels. There will also be nearly a dozen models from game-changing companies, including Hang, EVIATION, Hydroplane Ltd, Lilium, PAL-V, Pipistrel, SAMAD Aerospace, VoltAero.

SUSTAINABILITY

A new sustainability standards program is to be introduced at EBACE, called S.T.A.R.S. – Standards & Training for Aviation Responsibility and Sustainability. The program was initiated by young business aviation professionals from half a dozen companies in Europe who want to take a holistic approach to sustainability, going beyond emissions reductions and extending the concept to such “social” concerns as workplace diversity and inclusion, said Róman Kok, EBAA communications manager.

The pilot S.T.A.R.S. programme in Europe is now underway, and early participants have devised a three-tier programme of goal-setting, progress monitoring and full implementation. They are working toward development and introduction of industrywide sustainability standards “and an accompanying label,” according to EBAA.

Kok notes that key to the programme’s success will be the integration of the S.T.A.R.S. label into existing requirements for IS-BAO, and IS-BAH, two sets of best practices produced by the International Business Aviation Council. Beyond Europe, EBAA’s Young Ambassadors, who are heading up the programme, see application of S.T.A.R.S., in North America, and ultimately in the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.

AIRCRAFT

More than 50 of the most advanced business aircraft, from high-tech small aircraft through ultra-modern intercontinental jets are expected to be on display at the show. The show’s outdoor aircraft display will feature the latest offerings from renowned manufacturers such as Airbus, Dassault Falcon, Pilatus, and other global aircraft OEMs including Embraer, Gulfstream, Honda Aircraft Company and Textron Aviation. A full range of helicopters, turbo-props, jets, large intercontinental business jets, to smaller turbine-powered aircraft, as well as several piston engine aircraft is expected to be showcased.

First-time aircraft on display will include:

• Bombardier Global 7500
• Gulfstream G700
• Dassault Falcon 6X
• Tecnam P2012 Traveller
• VoltAero Hybrid powered CASSIO
• 1 Démonstrator

OPPORTUNITY

Along with other general networking opportunities, students interested in learning more about business aviation, and the possibilities the industry holds, have a golden opportunity with Careers in Business Aviation Day, taking place on May 25, at EBACE. “Students are encouraged to engage with the exhibitors, ask questions and network,” said Rachel Clementi. “This is a unique opportunity to engage with companies in all sectors of the industry, tour the latest business aircraft and get practical advice on how to best become a part of a thriving industry.”

Careers in Business Aviation Day will include:

• A dynamic panel discussion on how to break into the industry and the types of opportunities available
• A guided tour for high school students of company exhibitions and aircraft
• A university student roundtable with recruiters offering practical advice on CV writing, interviewing and networking
• The opportunity to meet with business aviation companies actively seeking fresh talent.

MOBILE APP

The official EBACE mobile app allows attendees to prepare for the show, enhances their event experience and serves as a useful reference all year long. The free mobile app – available for the iPad, iPhone and Android smartphones – includes the following:

• Full convention agenda with locations and descriptions of education sessions and key events
• An exhibitor directory with stand locations, company descriptions and product and service categories
• An interactive exhibit floor plan of Palexpo
• Ability to create a personal profile visible to other app users so you can network with fellow attendees before, during and after the event
• A timeline displaying the latest posts and photos from fellow attendees in real time and the ability to upload your own status updates and photos.

NBAA President, Ed Bolen remarked during the preview, “EBACE is about engagement; with products; with people. It is an opportunity to celebrate business aviation, for the future has never looked so bright. We have gone forward and it is the future that will be on display at EBACE. The magic of being together with the people who share same passion.”