EBACE 2014
Whist the latest economic growth figures from the European Union confirm that most of its member nations are still struggling and signs of only minimal Europe economic growth. This is a picture not shared by European Business aviation which other hand is showing signs of continued growth post WFC and a much healthier picture according to private aviation market brokerage and flight intelligence data.
This too is echoed by the success of EBACE 2014, which recently took place May 20-22 in Genève, Switzerland. The 14th annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition attracted 8% increase in exhibitors and 13,200 attendees up 8% on the last year, and 55 private jets on static display and completely sold out.
Private jet completions
EBACE 2014 was the place for the unveiling of GDC Aerospace, a new brand to private jet completions and a take over from the previous Gore Design. Additionally Sabena Technics, Fokker Services, Jet Aviation, Lufthansa Technik, Greenpoint Technologies, AMAC, Altitude VIP Completions, Associated Air Center, ST Group and TAECO who all provide narrow and wide-body private jet completions services were in attendance as exhibitors at the show.
Boeing Business Jets – BBJ
Displaying the various models from the BBJ range, and a fantastic video showing the sped up manufacture of a Boeing Jet in a super fast mode from beginning to manufacture completion
Airbus Corporate Jets – ACJ
Airbus present with an interior stand and a ACJ319 on display operated by K5 Aviation; the ACJ319 featured seating for 19 passengers in a cabin with several lounges, including one that converts to a bedroom with en-suite bathroom.
Gulfstream
Gulfstream Business Jets continue to impress with their brand and presentation, friendliness of their staff, their impressive corporate jet range and access to view the jets during the show. Impressively their interactive interior design application provided opportunity to create a private jet interior of choice altering the soft furnishing and wall finishes to view live on a large screen.
Lufthansa Technik
Displaying several scaled narrow and wide-bodied private jets, these models always draw attention at the show; including this year a cut-away of a 747-8 with forward bedroom in the nose of the aircraft and multiple cabins, bedrooms and entertainment rooms throughout the aircrafts interior.