EBACE 2024: Pioneering Sustainability and Innovation in Business Aviation

Last month, Josh Risker represented Sentient International at the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) in Geneva for an opportunity to connect with industry leaders, innovators and fellow aviation professionals to discuss emerging trends and explore the latest advancements in business aviation that are shaping the industry.

This year’s EBACE was a headline-grabber, which saw several significant announcements that will shape the industry’s future. Here, Josh shares some of this year’s most prominent updates.

Political Climate and Climate Change Take Centre Stage

This year’s EBACE saw the aviation industry take further bold steps towards sustainability, demonstrating resilience in the face of ongoing scrutiny. A series of initiatives were unveiled with the aim of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, reinforcing aviation’s pivotal role in economic growth and innovation.

– Ed Bolen, president of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), echoed the event’s theme of innovation, safety, and workforce, directing attention towards the mission of zero emissions and the future of aviation.

– Holger Krahmer, secretary general of the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), made a strong case for the industry at the conference. Defending the industry against calls to ban business aviation, he argued that such measures would impede socioeconomic progress rather than aid environmental protection. He also announced the EBAA’s active participation in ‘Climbing Fast’, an initiative aiming for carbon neutrality in the sector.

– Geneva state councillor Delphine Bachmann and Eurocontrol’s John Santurbano acknowledged public concerns about aviation’s environmental impact and passionately advocated for respectful dialogue and continued investment in new technologies and skilled personnel to address sustainability challenges.

– Explorer Bertrand Piccard inspired attendees with innovative achievements in sustainable aviation, including solar-powered and hydrogen-powered projects, fostering a forward-thinking approach to overcoming industry challenges.

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Lilium Plans eVTOL Air Service Network

A key highlight at EBACE this year was Lilium’s unveiling of a full-scale Lilium Jet mock-up, showcasing its innovative electric vectored thrust engines and compatibility with existing electric car recharging systems. The company made a number of announcements during EBACE, including:

– The signing of a strategic licensing agreement with Dedienne Aerospace, further extending its manufacturing and operational capabilities in anticipation of the jet’s entry into service.

– Plans for an eVTOL air service network across the French Riviera by 2026 in collaboration with Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur and UrbanV. This particular network will connect locations such as Monaco, Nice, Cannes, and Marseille using the Lilium Jet, a 4-6 passenger aircraft. The project aims to provide efficient and sustainable transportation options in a region that attracts around 11 million visitors annually.

– A partnership with Volare Aviation with a purchase agreement for up to 16 Lilium Jets through its eVolare division, which focuses on providing air services in the UK.

– A partnership with Luxaviation to enhance support for eVTOL operations across Europe and potentially the Middle East, emphasising sustainability and green aviation technologies.

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Leonardo AW09 Debuts Updated Corporate Look

Leonardo introduced a full-scale cabin mock-up of the AW09 helicopter at EBACE this year, presenting a VIP-corporate cabin configuration that highlighted the model’s features and emphasised its spacious cabin, which is customisable and supports various seating arrangements for up to eight passengers with legroom that is the largest in its category.

The unveiling of the AW09 marks the beginning of a Europe-wide demonstration tour, positioning the helicopter in the corporate spotlight. With a global order backlog exceeding 100 units, the AW09 is slated for certification in 2025. The company’s strategic agreements with Universal Vulkaan Aviation in India, Léman Aviation, and Sloane have secured substantial orders, affirming the strong market interest in the AW09 and making it a secure and competitive option in the long-light single-engine category.

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Airbus Corporate Jets and Comlux Showcase ACJ TwoTwenty

Boasting a 786-sq-ft cabin and intercontinental capabilities, it was great to see Airbus Corporate Jets and Comlux showcase the ACJ TwoTwenty at EBACE 2024.

Its spacious cabin and advanced features underscore its appeal in the business aviation market, combining the reliability of the A220 airliner with the luxury expected in corporate jets. The collaboration between Airbus Corporate Jets and Comlux highlights their commitment to providing innovative and high-quality aviation solutions.

Thanks to auxiliary fuel tanks, the ACJ TwoTwenty offers a range of up to 5,650 nautical miles, making it suitable for long-haul flights, and with its VIP configuration, the aircraft ensures luxury and comfort, catering to high-end corporate clients.

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Tecnam’s P2012 STOL Receives EASA Approval

Tecnam’s twin-piston P2012 STOL aircraft received European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) approval for steep approaches up to 10 degrees, enhancing its capabilities for short take-off and landing operations. This certification highlights the aircraft’s flexibility and suitability for challenging runways, making it an attractive option for operators requiring versatile performance.

Whilst Tecnam showcased the P2012 in an 11-seat Traveller configuration (the most popular variant) at EBACE, the P2012’s design is optimised for passenger comfort and versatility in mission profiles, and is equipped with advanced Garmin avionics and multiple safety tools. Its ability to be quickly reconfigured for cargo, passenger, or air ambulance use demonstrates its adaptability to different operational needs.

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Alliance Aviation Group Reveals Yacht-Inspired Global 6000

Alliance Aviation Group presented its Bombardier Global 6000 at this year’s EBACE, featuring an updated yacht-inspired interior designed by well-known Winch Design. The 10-year-old business jet’s exterior features a cutting-edge QR code that, when scanned, will display which trips taken were offset with carbon credits.

The interior design of the Global 6000 is a masterpiece thanks to a collaboration between Alliance Aviation Group and Winch Design, which is a fusion of luxury and oceanic inspiration featuring a blend of white and blue tones reminiscent of the seas.

Furthermore, Alliance Aviation Group were participating in the static display at EBACE in conjunction with Transport Malta and the Malta Business Aviation Association, emphasising their dedication to innovation and sustainability in aviation, and showcasing the Global 6000 as a premier example of blending luxury with environmental consciousness.

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Gulfstream G700 Showcased by Qatar Executive

Despite Gulfstream opting not to exhibit at this year’s show, Qatar Executive was keen to showcase the newly certificated Gulfstream G700, featuring an impressive 7,500 nautical mile range.

Powered by Rolls-Royce Pearl 700 engines, the G700 is set to commence revenue flights in June, targeting wealthy Europeans and brokers. Qatar Executive, which transitioned mainly to Gulfstream jets over the past decade, operates a fleet that includes 15 Gulfstream G650s and plans to maintain these alongside the new G700s for the next few years.

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As the aviation industry continues to evolve, the insights and advancements shared at EBACE 2024 underscore a pivotal shift towards sustainability and innovation. The commitment from industry leaders to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, the unveiling of cutting-edge technologies, and strategic partnerships all point to a future where business aviation remains at the forefront of economic growth and environmental stewardship. As we look forward, the conversations and connections made at this year’s EBACE will undoubtedly fuel further progress, ensuring that business aviation continues to soar to new heights while embracing a more sustainable and innovative future.