Hans Pfeiffer, co-founder of the Dusseldorf-based Triple Alpha, who uses EBACE to conduct market research and build and cement contacts, will this year be assessing what aircraft the Ocean Sky subsidiary should add to its owned and managed fleets.

"I am focusing on the G150, the Global Express and the Mustang," Pfeiffer says.

Triple Alpha, which focuses on aircraft likely to hold their value, has used the latest online service provided by EBAN to check out the exhibitors likely to provide the most useful input.

EBAN, the premier online and magazine forum for charter operators in Europe and the Middle East and their suppliers, has provided an online directory of exhibitors at EBACE 2010 with links through to each company's record on the Handbook of Business Aviation web site http://www.ebanmagazine.com/ ebace.html. EBAN itself, and its sister magazine Charter Broker, will be represented on Stand 1254.

"A search under Citation Mustang confirmed six useful contacts," says Pfeiffer. "The Marshall Business Aviation booth 829 is close to Triple Alpha's 843 and I have also noted ACC Columbia Jet Service, Cessna of course, Delta Aerotaxi, FlightSafety International and Gate V Aircraft maintenance."

Pfeiffer has conducted similar online exercises for the Global Express and Mustang. "The Global Express search gave me 20 exhibitors ranging from those already operating the aircraft to FBOs and maintenance centres. The EBAN online directory has simplified the compilation of my itinerary and we will, of course, benefit as Triple Alpha is also put on other peoples' schedules," he says.

The EBAN url is already recording hits from the hundreds of exhibitors planning to maximise leads and business development at EBACE.

The European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) says that around 400 exhibitors have registered to fill Halls 6 and 7 at Geneva Palexpo. Brian Humphries, EBAA president and ceo, says: "Additionally, the EBACE 2010 static display of aircraft scheduled for Geneva international airport is sold out, with 63 aircraft participating and a waiting list in place. Furthermore, a full slate of education sessions and other programming is planned, to provide event attendees with the latest information on the issues facing the business aviation community."

He says: "While the event will focus on the emerging trends, challenges and opportunities on the horizon for the industry, EBAA and NBAA also plan to mark the tenth anniversary for EBACE by showcasing several major industry milestones since the launch of the first show in 2001."

"It's going to be a lively show," Humphries concludes.

EBAN will be on booth #1254 May 4-6