GENERALLY CONFIDENT D
THE GENERAL AVIATION MARKET AROUND THE WORLD IS STILL WALLOWING THROUGH THE RIPPLE EFFECTS OF THE RECESSION. EVEN SO, THE RECENT EUROPEAN BUSINESS AVIATION CONVENTION & EXHIBITION, SPELT OPTIMISM AND CONFIDENCE. A REPORT.
LOOKING UP: The General Aviation business made a valiant stand at the recent EBACE expo; vigenettes from the expo this year.
espite the gloomy economy, the 12th annual European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2012) in Geneva “was one of the strongest EBACE shows yet, demonstrating its value”, the organisers claimed. The show attracted over 12,500 attendees from 99 countries — both compared favourably with the 2011 show. The show’s static display area — 10 per cent larger than that last year — had a record 60 aircraft. While the numbers were good, the general mood was one of concern and cautious optimism. Overshadowed by problems in the European financial markets, it was well attended but there was no great buzz. Cessna and Bombardier both launched new models but these did not capture the imagination of many visitors to the show. Latin America remains active, while Russia and Eastern Europe show “positive signs”. Brazil and Australia remain in the “good activity” group. However, there is overall disappointment in Western Europe due to a depressed pre-owned market. Another mature market, the US, has been disappointing. In India, sales have “stalled” for three years due to a weak currency and strong inflation. The Middle East remains relatively quiet. African activity is concentrated in oilproducing countries like Nigeria. Hawker Beechcraft was the only manufacturer that announced orders. This was partly to convey that it is still functioning as a company whilst in Chapter 11 (something that Europeans with strict bankruptcy laws often struggle to understand) and the future of the CRUISING HEIGHTS June 2012
39