Meridian Exhibits at EBACE2018

Meridian proudly participated in the 2018 edition of The European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE2018). The company sent six associates to the show to represent various departments, including Charter Sales, Charter Operations, Aircraft Management, and Marketing. The team was able to optimize its presence at the venue by meeting with customers and prospects, reconnecting with industry colleagues and friends, and identifying new opportunities.
Kirk Stephen, Director of Marketing, was impressed by the optimism of the event, “Every year EBACE proves to be a productive endeavor for our company. We are able to take advantage of the access to many other aviation companies that Geneva affords us because of its proximity to Europe, Asia, and Africa. This year’s show was noticeably different because each day of the event was surrounded by energy and excitement for the future. While it’s still too early to tell how 2018 will end, if EBACE is any indication of things to come, then we should finish out the year in a good place.”
Organizers said the show, once again, served as a powerful and forward-looking showcase, reinforcing its reputation as the industry’s most important event in Europe. EBACE is jointly hosted by the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA). This year’s show took place from May 29 to 31 at Geneva’s Palexpo conference center and Geneva International Airport.
“This was a decidedly upbeat, optimistic EBACE week, which highlighted the passion and enthusiasm at the heart of the business aviation community,” said EBAA Chairman Juergen Wiese. “The show reflected a reverence for the industry’s history, as well as an embrace of its future.”
The busy 3-day event featured 418 exhibitors, all whom chose the event to announce new aircraft, products and services, with press conferences and media events throughout the week. This was an overall increase from last year’s event as EBACE welcomed a plethora of first-time exhibitors from over 100 different countries! Furthermore, the event had a sold-out static display that featured 54 aircraft on the Geneva Airport’s ramps. Attendees got to see a variety of aircraft ranging from intercontinental jets, to turboprop and piston aircraft, to helicopters.
In addition to the upbeat and positive atmosphere, the event also featured numerous informative sessions that honed in on the future of the business aviation industry. The talks included:
·  A new industry initiative to advance the development and adoption of Sustainable Alternative Jet Fuel
·  An inspiring keynote presentation by Yves “Jetman” Rossy, an accomplished military and commercial pilot.
·  An EVAA study, “Expanding Horizons: How Millennials see the Future of Business Aviation”.
·  The International Aircraft Transactions Seminar
·  The Implications BREXIT for Business Aviation
·  Improving Access to European Airspace and Airports for Business Aviation Operators
Apart from the informative session, EBACE conducted its second annual Careers in Business Aviation Day, which introduced more than 250 students from high schools and universities across Europe to the broad range of potential business aviation career paths.
The EBAA also took the time to award companies that have established a solid safety culture within their organizations. This year, five European companies were recognized for achieving over 100,000 hours of accident-free flying.
“EBACE once again showed that business aviation is an industry focused on innovation and investment in the future. The new aircraft models, the new business models, the featured speakers and the trends we discussed all point to an energetic industry looking toward tomorrow”, said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
EBACE will return to Geneva again next year from May 21 to 23, 2019. Meridian is planning to exhibit again, and we are already looking forward to seeing you there!