EBACE-Geneva
“Year in Review 2012”
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In addition to the NBAA
(National Business Aviation Association) in the United States is the
EBACE Geneva (European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition),
arguably the most important trade fair for the private and business
aviation. Although the demand in this segment of civil aviation
continues unabated, but the worldwide aviation crisis also left their
marks.
Aircraft sharing, environmental thinking and new technologies were in
this year's edition certainly the Favorite’s.
Die Hallenausstellung
Upon
entering the exhibition halls of Palexpo the hustle and bustle was not
to be overlooked. One Business Meeting chasing the other and the major
companies in this industry spared no expense and showed flag.
All major companies such as Boeing (BBJ), Airbus cooperated; Embraer,
Bombardier, Honda Aerospace, Hawker and many more were represented and
negotiated with interested customers. But also big designers like Jet
Aviation, AMAC Aerospace and Lufthansa Technique were there to show
their products and design studies.
A conspicuous trend was also among the companies that rent aircraft,
known as the "Aircraft Sharing." Many companies in the economy can or
want to afford their own airplanes.
With other partners aircraft are now only hired or leased, to the
delight of several providers in the market.
Environmentally and conscious thinking, cost savings, such as aircraft
fuel, giving smaller suppliers of new technologies a rise in their
business. A change in thinking even in the private and business aviation
is hard to miss.
Static Display
In beautiful spring weather
to visit the static display on the tarmac of the airport was of course
mandatory. So the aircraft lined up against each other, and often it was
hardly possible to catch the various aircraft for our cameras in the
right light.
Many of the millions dollar jets could be inspected from the outside and
insight. A "highlight" was certainly the invitation by Boeing BBJ and
Embraer. More to that later on.
Although the exhibition lasts only three days, the effort of the
organizers and exhibitors is huge. However, the EBACE, one of the
world's most important trade shows pays off for customers and
exhibitors. Many contracts or letter of intent could be signed.
Piaggio Aero Avanti on static display (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)
Gulfstream G650, N520GA, Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. Experimental aircraft. Note the larger windows and two emergency exits over wing (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)
Besuch bei Boeing BBJ und Embraer
As
already mentioned the invitation by Boeing BBJ and Embraer for an
exclusive tour of its jets was probably the highlight for the Wings
Aviation editorial team! During our visit, we knew immediately
that a ten-hour flight in luxury can be relaxing and be coped without
problems. No comparison with the narrow and often poor service in
economy class of a regular airliner.
The fine processed materials of the highest quality and noble elegance
give you more the feel of luxury in a mansion, than in an airplane.
However, one of the Boeing BBJ cabin interior was probably not quite to
our taste, but as you know "beauty" is a fact of the viewer's eye. Here
are some impressions which we catch.
Boeing B737-7JF (BBJ), P4-LIG
Boeing B737-72U (BBJ), VP-BBJ
Some impressions of the dining area, galley and the living area on this country stylish BBJ (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)
Embraer 650 Legacy
Close-up of the modern cabin design as well as the cockpit and galley area on this Embraer 650 Legacy (Picture courtesy Andreas Herzog)
A visit
to the EBACE is probably compulsory for an aviation enthusiast and
editorial board member. Besides great pictures, new contacts with
producers, press and likeminded people where established. The EBACE 2013
opens its doors on 21st to 23rd May 2013.
Wings-Aviation well be there again and reports for our readers.