EBACE 2002, the 2nd Annual European Business Aviation Conference and Exhibition held on May 28-30 registered 4,824 attendees – an increase of over 30 per cent on last year’s total. 219 exhibitors were featured occupying 533 booth spaces in Palexpo Conference Centre. In addition, 36 aircraft were featured on the static display at Geneva International Airport.

“Business aviation in Europe is now a mature industry,” noted EBAA chief executive Fernand Francois. “It only needs full recognition by the authorities and the right public perception. EBACE is the right forum to achieve these goals. The active presence of Eurocontrol director general Victor Aguado, who cut the ribbon at the opening ceremony, and of European commission representatives confirms the awareness of the authorities.

“We’re pleased with the strong partnership between the NBAA and EBAA teams,” added NBAA president Jack Olcott.

“Together we have formed a very effective means of comm-unicating the good news of business aviation in the market place. The market is growing.”