EBACE's New Sponsor

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) recently made a significant move in the aviation industry by acquiring the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA) interest in the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). This purchase places EBAA as the sole producer of future editions of EBACE, a key business aviation event in Europe. With EBAA now steering the convention solo, the organization has shared its vision for how it plans to take the event to new heights. Here’s what we can expect from EBAA’s future editions of EBACE.

What is the National Business Aviation Association's (NBAA)?

The NBAA is a trade association based in the United States that represents the interests of the business aviation community. Established in 1947, NBAA supports companies and professionals who rely on general aviation aircraft, such as jets and helicopters, to conduct their business. The association provides advocacy, safety and operational resources, professional development opportunities, and industry networking events.

NBAA is known for hosting major events, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), which is one of the largest business aviation events in the world. Its primary mission is to advance the interests of business aviation through policy advocacy, promoting safety standards, fostering innovation, and addressing industry challenges like workforce development and sustainability.

The organization plays a key role in shaping the future of business aviation, both in the U.S. and globally, by working closely with government agencies, aviation authorities, and industry stakeholders.

What is the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA)?

The EBAA is a trade association representing the interests of the business aviation sector in Europe. Founded in 1977, EBAA supports companies and individuals involved in business aviation, including operators, aircraft owners, manufacturers, and service providers. Its mission is to promote and advance the role of business aviation in Europe, ensuring that it remains a vital component of the transportation network.

The EBAA plays a crucial role in advocating for the interests of the business aviation community in Europe. By engaging with policymakers, regulators, and other key stakeholders, EBAA ensures that the unique needs of business aviation are represented in legislative and regulatory processes. The association actively works to influence aviation policies and regulations, striving to create an environment where business aviation can thrive. Through its advocacy efforts, EBAA helps shape the future of the industry, ensuring that its members have a voice in important decision-making arenas.

EBAA is dedicated to enhancing safety within the business aviation sector. The association develops and promotes best practices and safety standards to ensure that operators adhere to the highest safety protocols. By collaborating with industry experts and authorities, EBAA provides valuable guidance on operational safety and addresses emerging safety challenges. This focus on safety helps maintain high standards across the industry, contributing to the overall reliability and trustworthiness of business aviation operations.

One of EBAA’s significant roles is organizing and supporting key industry events, including the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE). As a leading event in the European business aviation calendar, EBACE serves as a critical platform for networking, showcasing new technologies, and discussing industry trends. EBAA’s involvement in these events facilitates connections among industry professionals, fosters business opportunities, and highlights advancements in the field. These gatherings also provide a venue for discussing and addressing current challenges and future directions for business aviation.

EBAA also contributes to the business aviation sector by conducting research and producing publications that offer insights into industry trends and issues. The association's research initiatives help inform its members and the broader public about the state of business aviation in Europe. Through reports, white papers, and other publications, EBAA provides valuable data and analysis that support strategic decision-making and foster a deeper understanding of industry dynamics. This role in research and publication ensures that EBAA members stay informed and can make well-informed decisions.

EBAA facilitates networking and professional development opportunities for its members through seminars, workshops, and training programs. These activities are designed to help industry professionals stay current with the latest developments and enhance their skills. By offering these resources, EBAA supports continuous learning and career growth within the business aviation sector. Networking events organized by the association also allow members to connect with peers, share knowledge, and explore potential business collaborations, strengthening the industry’s overall network.

The EBAA is also committed to promoting sustainability and innovation within the business aviation sector. The association supports initiatives aimed at reducing the environmental impact of aviation and advancing sustainable practices. By encouraging the adoption of green technologies and practices, EBAA helps drive the industry toward more sustainable operations. Additionally, EBAA plays a role in fostering innovation, ensuring that the business aviation sector remains at the forefront of technological advancements. This focus on sustainability and innovation is essential for the long-term success and growth of the industry. Overall, EBAA plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing Europe's business aviation industry, ensuring its continued growth and success in a dynamic and evolving market.

What is the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE)?

The EBACE is a premier event in the business aviation industry, held annually in Europe. Co-hosted by the EBAA and the NBAA, EBACE serves as a major platform for showcasing the latest advancements in business aviation and facilitating networking among industry professionals.

EBACE is renowned for bringing together key stakeholders from across the global business aviation community. The convention typically features a wide array of aircraft, ranging from small jets to large business aircraft, as well as the latest in aviation technology, products, and services. It provides a comprehensive overview of the industry’s state of the art and offers a unique opportunity for manufacturers, operators, service providers, and policymakers to engage with one another.

One of the highlights of EBACE is its extensive exhibition area, where companies from around the world display their products and services. This includes aircraft manufacturers, avionics suppliers, maintenance providers, and more. Attendees can view the latest aircraft models, explore cutting-edge technologies, and learn about innovations that are shaping the future of business aviation. The exhibition provides a platform for companies to launch new products and demonstrate their capabilities to a global audience.

EBACE is a key networking event for business aviation professionals. The convention attracts a diverse group of attendees, including industry leaders, policymakers, and potential clients. The event features various networking sessions, including receptions, seminars, and discussion panels, where participants can connect, share insights, and explore potential business opportunities. This aspect of EBACE is vital for fostering relationships within the industry and advancing collaborative efforts.

In addition to exhibitions, EBACE hosts a range of educational sessions and panel discussions. These sessions cover a variety of topics relevant to business aviation, including regulatory updates, safety practices, sustainability, and technological advancements. Industry experts and thought leaders share their knowledge and insights, providing valuable information that helps attendees stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the sector.

EBACE has established itself as a significant event in the business aviation calendar. Its impact extends beyond the convention itself, influencing industry standards and practices through the discussions and innovations showcased at the event. The convention plays a crucial role in shaping the future of business aviation by highlighting emerging trends, addressing industry challenges, and promoting best practices.

As the business aviation industry evolves, EBACE continues to adapt and grow. With EBAA now taking sole ownership of the event, future editions of EBACE are expected to build on the convention’s legacy while incorporating new elements that reflect the changing dynamics of the industry. This includes a stronger focus on sustainability, technological innovation, and regional industry needs, ensuring that EBACE remains a vital and relevant event for business aviation professionals.

Building on a Strong Legacy

EBACE has long been regarded as Europe’s premier business aviation event. It draws together industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers from across the globe. According to Holger Krahmer, the EBAA’s secretary general, this acquisition presents an exciting opportunity for EBAA to build upon EBACE’s strong foundation.

For over 20 years, EBAA and NBAA co-hosted EBACE, and the event has gained international recognition for showcasing the latest in aircraft, cutting-edge technologies, and industry advancements. As the new sole organizer, EBAA aims to reinforce EBACE as the central hub for Europe’s business aviation professionals.

EBAA's Vision for Future EBACE Events

In a statement, Krahmer shared EBAA’s enthusiasm about the future of EBACE under its leadership. He emphasized the importance of maintaining the event's status as a leading platform for business aviation, while also tailoring it to reflect the unique characteristics of European business aviation.

One of EBAA’s main objectives is to elevate EBACE as a hub for key decision-makers in business aviation, with a greater emphasis on European innovation and policy-making. This involves creating an environment where industry stakeholders can interact directly with policymakers to shape the future of aviation in Europe.

EBAA plans to use EBACE as a venue to highlight Europe’s leadership in sustainable aviation, technology development, and workforce growth. With a focus on strengthening these sectors, future editions of EBACE will likely place greater emphasis on Europe’s position in the global business aviation industry.

A New Focus on Sustainability and Innovation

As the aviation industry navigates the challenges of climate change, sustainability will be a major focus for future EBACE editions. Business aviation is increasingly under pressure to reduce its environmental impact, and EBAA plans to use EBACE as a platform to showcase sustainable aviation technologies and practices.

Expect to see the event featuring innovations in electric and hybrid aircraft, fuel efficiency, and sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs). EBAA is likely to create partnerships with companies leading the charge in green aviation, giving them a stage to present their breakthroughs to the world.

In addition, the future EBACE will highlight the rapid advancements in aviation technology. From digital aviation tools to autonomous aircraft systems, innovation will be a key theme. Attendees will have the chance to engage with companies pushing the boundaries of business aviation, making EBACE a must-attend event for those looking to stay ahead in the industry.

A Global Collaboration for Success

Though EBAA will now be the sole producer of EBACE, the association has made it clear that its relationship with NBAA remains strong. According to NBAA President Ed Bolen, the two organizations will continue collaborating on shared priorities like safety, sustainability, innovation, and workforce development.

This ongoing partnership ensures that while EBAA takes the reins on EBACE, the event will retain its international appeal. The global aviation community, including stakeholders from the United States, will continue to have a presence at EBACE, ensuring that the event remains a key gathering point for worldwide industry players.

A Unique Platform for European Business Aviation

EBAA’s focus on European aviation means that future EBACE editions will likely have a more regional flavor. This shift will be particularly valuable for those in Europe, where business aviation operates under unique regulations and market conditions. With European decision-makers and policymakers expected to play an even larger role at EBACE, the event will cater to the specific needs of the European aviation market.

By producing EBACE independently, EBAA can curate the event to focus more closely on European priorities, while still ensuring a global reach. The result is likely to be an event that is both highly relevant to European business aviation and attractive to the global aviation industry.

What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond

EBACE2025, the first fully EBAA-produced event, will likely be a pivotal edition of the convention. EBAA is expected to bring fresh perspectives and exciting new features to the event. From a greater emphasis on sustainability and European policy-making to an enhanced focus on innovation, EBACE2025 will set the stage for the future of business aviation in Europe.

Closing

EBAA’s acquisition of NBAA’s interest in EBACE marks a significant moment in the aviation world. By taking full control of the event, EBAA has the opportunity to shape EBACE in ways that reflect the unique needs of European business aviation while maintaining its global appeal. With a focus on sustainability, innovation, and collaboration, future EBACE editions are set to be more impactful than ever. The future of European business aviation looks bright, and EBACE will be at the forefront of driving the industry forward.