With the focus very much on the future at EBACE 2024, it was wonderful not just to see a full-scale model of the eVTOL Lilium Jet front and centre in the hall, but to be able to get on it as well; what a treat. The Falcons on the static were out of bounds to the vast majority, but don’t we all want to get on board at a show?

Attendance seemed to be down a little, with fewer exhibitors too. But in the end that made for more time to talk, for long conversations and that, surely, is another key point of the show. It felt more relaxed this year. The walkways were peopled but not to excess. The talks were well attended but you could get a seat.

It was particularly inspiring to hear aviation pioneer, climate campaigner and Solar Impulse Foundation chairman Dr Bertrand Piccard talk about his circumnavigations of the globe, first in a balloon and then in a solar-powered aircraft. His next adventure will be hydrogen-powered flight, carbon-free.

The protesters on Wednesday advised us that the future of aviation is the train. I hope they get to listen to Piccard speak at some stage. They are woefully ignorant of the enormous amount of research and development being carried out by this industry, the huge potential for, and progress on, clean technologies that will break barriers in other industries too.

As EBAA secretary general Holger Krahmer said, EBACE 2024 made clear that business aviation is spearheading a surge of innovation that will drive economic growth and enable a future of net-zero flight. It is also, according to NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen, an industry filled with promise and powered by ingenuity.

Will young people see career opportunities in this melting pot of specialities? There were events for them to network with aviation professionals, discover more about the latest trends and technologies. Plenty to engage their curiosity and light their net zero fires.

All that, and also the place to be if you are buying and selling aircraft internationally according to IADA, which brought a 50-strong delegation to the show. A wonderful showcase and business event, even if it does cost an arm and a leg to attend.