EBACE-2022 is an astounding success!

Starting with product launches and ending with roundtables on the future of sustainable aviation fuel, the exhibition set new benchmarks for the global civil aviation industry. A report.

After a two-year hiatus, the worldwide aviation community gathered in person once again for one of the most anticipated annual events. The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) was held from May 23 to May 25 at the Palexpo Convention Centre in Geneva, Switzerland. Co-hosted by the business aviation associations representing Europe, EBAA, and North America, NBAA, this year marked the 20th anniversary of the conference. Thousands of attendees from across the world gathered with anticipation to view what new and exciting products and services would be revealed. They were not disappointed!

The event kicked off with an enthusiastic opening keynote session, moderated by EBAA Secretary-General Athar Husain Khan. In past years, this welcoming event has featured people with incredible aviation stories that provide attendees with both entertainment and inspiration. That was certainly the case this time around, as pilot Zara Rutherford took the stage. Just four months ago, at age 19, she became the youngest woman ever to fly solo around the world. She attempted the feat to promote aviation and STEM-related careers for girls and young women. Rutherford was passionate in her recounting of the challenges and triumphs she faced during the 155-day journey in her Shark UL ultralight airplane.

Following Rutherford's inspirational talk, NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen interviewed tennis champion, Martina Navratilova. After conquering the tennis world with records in nearly every category, Navratilova went after the aviation world, earning her private pilot rating in 1999 at the Aspen airport, Colorado- a challenge in and of itself. She spoke of overcoming her fears during flight training with an approach not all that different than how she attacked tennis.