EBACE 2008 Shatters Records

The European Business Aviation Convention and Exhibition (EBACE) recorded 21.5 percent more visitors and 35 percent more exhibitors at this year's show in Geneva. Officials say 13,762 people went through the doors of the PalExpo Convention Center at Geneva International Airport. For first-time exhibitors like Cirrus Design it's a permanent mark on the already-busy show calendar. "You just have to be here," said Cirrus spokeswoman Kate Dougherty. Cirrus rented prime exhibit space in prestigious Halle 7, which included booths from virtually all major business jet manufacturers. Many companies significantly upgraded their booths this year as they welcomed some of the richest and most powerful business people, political leaders and royalty from all over the world. Outside, the cheek-by-jowl static display is a harbinger of challenges to come.

EBACE is held at Geneva International Airport, a busy mini-hub for several budget and legacy airlines, and the ramp in front of the convention center was at capacity at this show. Parking for visiting aircraft was also at a premium and there were aircraft parked on taxiways next to active runways.