Geneva Palexpo, 24-26 May 2016
Report by Peter Davison and Peter Gregory
This years EBACE event was marked by some significant events; the Centenary of Dassault Aviation (and the arrival of the long awaited Falcon 8X), the first visit of the indigenous PC-24 (albeit a flying visit) and the first European outing for the Boeing 787 Dreamliner in BBJ format.
Some inclement weather threatened the view of outside exhibits but. in all, valuable trade was done in the exhibition halls.
Business aviation is said to be suffering from a downturn but spirits appear high, particularly at the top of the market. Fixtures and fittings were dominant in the trade stands with even a celebrity chef proving on-board catering knows no limits. Dassault’s anniversary encouraged a big splash with the 8X showing itself to be a fair match for the Gulfstreams and Global Expresses; particularly as customers hold onto their wallets fur the G500 and G600 on the horizon.
Twins and mid size jets were down though the fractionals are progressing as they re-equip with more modern types. The light jet market seems fairly stagnant though the flexibility of access afforded at all those extra runways is certainly tempting some customers away from First Class.
Cessna was showing the new Latitude and Honda Jet, in its Swiss style red livery, certainly stood out from the crowd in the static display. Visitor numbers appeared to be down with some almost empty gangways in Palexpo; even when the rain and cloud drew people inside. With the low oil price, hopefully the market will improve next year.
