While we had been optimistic about the show in view of the strong forward bookings, we were delighted when the 10th EBACE ended its three days with sold out exhibitor and static displays, 11,174 attendees (less than 100 below the second biggest show in 2007) and a general air of optimism that the global industry's economic outlook may be at last on the upswing. Halls 6 and 7 of Geneva Palexpo and the static display of aircraft were sold out with 436 exhibitors and 65 aircraft out at Geneva international airport.

Indeed it was, by any standard, a very successful 10th anniversary for EBACE and just what we all needed after such a difficult period for the aviation industry. The level of exhibitor and attendee participation was a welcome boost and a timely reminder that, despite the recent setbacks, business aviation remains highly valued around the world, supporting jobs, mobility and economic opportunity. In addition to the value EBACE provided for exhibitors and attendees, the event celebrated a successful 10-year joint partnership between EBAA and NBAA.

The education sessions - the backbone of EBACE programming - covered a variety of international and local aviation issues. Panels of industry experts explained their cautious optimism about the business aircraft market and the steps the business aviation communities will take to meet their environmental stewardship goals. Particularly encouraging were the presentations by the Teal Group and Eurocontrol, both of whom forecast a prolonged, if initially erratic, recovery in the European market, with a return to 2007 activity levels expected by 2013. Additional sessions covered operational safety, the latest upgrades to aircraft and technology and the dreaded EU-ETS. Animated discussions took place about the continued development of the EU-ETS support facility to simplify monitoring, reporting and verification requirements for small emitters, when Eurocontrol reported uncertainty pending a key policy meeting held on 6 May. However we have now been advised that, although the final decision has not yet been taken - one Eurocontrol member state still has reservations - the Eurocontrol meeting gave strong support to its funding and development. We expect that in the coming weeks the final decision will be taken and we will be able to announce good news.

Security protocol

Finally, a subject no longer discussed at EBACE - security. After three years of very active discussion with the European Commission resulting in a derogation from airline security rules for business aviation, enabling us to adopt a security protocol tailored to our sector, the EBAA has produced a standard of security best practice for members in the form of an AMC (Acceptable Means of Compliance). This has been circulated to all members that need to know, and shared with the 27 member states now charged with developing appropriate rules for our sector.

In short, EBACE 2010 was a great show that celebrated 10 years of achievements in the business aviation sector in Europe which, despite the recent very tough times, has seen the fleet of turbine powered aircraft almost double since the first EBACE, with considerable further expansion predicted by the experts in the years to come.