Written by Barbara Shaw, Business Development UK & Ireland

Attending the European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE) 2025 in Geneva for the first time was a defining moment in my business aviation journey. Held at Palexpo, the event showcased the absolute best of global business aviation, while also embracing a bold new direction. It was more than just an exhibition – it was a dynamic, future-focused gathering that left me both inspired and invigorated.

In advance, previous attendees had bemoaned the reduced number of exhibitors and the absence of the ‘static’ and OEMs. However, as a first-time attendee, EBACE 2025 exceeded my expectations on all fronts.

The energy on the floor, although the event was not of the scale of previous years, built as the week progressed. There was a sense of optimism, of transformation, and most importantly, of collaboration.

This year marked a significant transition, with the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA) taking full control of the event. The integration of the AIR OPS conference into EBACE created a more unified platform, featuring dedicated sessions for ground handlers, FBOs, and flight operators. The conference agenda was thoughtfully structured across three stages: Flight Daily News Live, AIROPS, and Innovation and Sustainability. These stages hosted discussions on topics ranging from regulatory updates and operational safety to sustainable aviation fuels and advanced air mobility.

Three key themes dominated EBACE 2025: sustainability, innovation, and operational excellence.

Sustainability was front and centre in nearly every session. The industry’s goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 was not just a tagline – it was a clear and active commitment. From sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) initiatives to electric and hybrid propulsion systems, discussions were grounded in real data, real technologies, and real collaboration. I was particularly impressed by the panel hosted on the Innovation and Sustainability Stage, where leaders from OEMs, and several promising startups outlined how we could make green aviation commercially viable.

Innovation was another dominant theme. The show floor featured everything from advanced air mobility concepts to innovative avionics and automation. The Innovation Pavilion was a hub of energy, where you could find prototypes of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, AI-enabled route optimization tools, and immersive VR simulations of next-generation cockpits. It was a glimpse into the future, and one that felt tantalizingly close.

Operational excellence also had a well-deserved spotlight. With the AIR OPS integration, sessions addressing flight planning, airspace regulation, and contingency management were more prominent than ever. Ground operations, fuel logistics, and border clearance technologies were discussed in detail, reinforcing the importance of efficiency and safety in the broader sustainability mission.

The Power of In-Person Connection

For me, the most valuable part of EBACE 2025 was not just the tech or the talks – it was the people. The global business aviation community came together in a way that reminded everyone of the power of face-to-face engagement. We are lucky to work in this industry and with people who are passionate about what they do.

The redesigned exhibition floor featured five networking lounges and intimate meeting pods, creating an ideal environment for spontaneous conversation and deep relationship-building. After years of virtual meetings, webinars, and Zoom fatigue, the importance of in-person connection was palpable. I met with contacts I had only ever emailed, shook hands with contacts I’d only seen on screens, and shared insights with industry veterans over coffee. These conversations are so important.

Martyn Fiddler Events: Where Networking Meets Celebration

One of the absolute highlights of my week in Geneva was our two Martyn Fiddler Events – specifically, our showcase of Irish & EU Solution at the Irish-themed O’Fiddlers and our EBACE Celebration party at the Feathers on Wednesday evening.

Anyone in the industry will tell you that Martyn Fiddler knows how to bring people together, and this year’s events didn’t disappoint. The Guinness flowed (a first for EBACE!) and a lively crowd from across the global aviation world visited us, with plenty of opportunities to unwind and to meet new contacts and old friends. Beyond our Martyn Fiddler events, the value lay in the exhibition hall itself: professionals from every corner of business aviation connecting over a shared passion and a common commitment to growing our industry.

Looking Ahead

EBACE 2025 was more than an event – it reflected where business aviation is going. The industry’s collective focus on decarbonisation, technological innovation, and operational alignment came through loud and clear. However, this year’s event also reminded us that business aviation is, at its core, a community. A community that thrives when people come together in person to exchange ideas, challenge assumptions, and celebrate shared successes.

Discussions about potentially relocating future editions of EBACE have been ongoing, with several factors driving a potential change in venue for Geneva.

One significant consideration is the prohibitive cost associated with hosting the event in Geneva. Environmental concerns and security issues have also played a role in these discussions. These issues have prompted discussions about the feasibility of relocating the event to a more cost-effective and logistically accommodating location. Despite these challenges, Geneva’s unique combination of exhibition space adjacent to an international airport continues to make it an attractive venue for EBACE. While an official announcement is scheduled for 30 June, regarding a change in location for EBACE 2026, EBACE is still a critical and much valued date on the global business aviation calendar and regardless of venue, will continue to grow from strength to strength.

In Conclusion

Attending EBACE 2025 in Geneva was an unforgettable experience that offered me a unique experience of the entire business aviation ecosystem. I was struck by the intimacy of the event’s reimagined format and the palpable sense of momentum driving the industry forward.

EBACE 2025 underscored the importance of collaboration. It served as a catalyst for partnerships and knowledge sharing, reinforcing the collective effort required to navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In summary, my first EBACE experience was fun, exhausting, enlightening and inspiring. As I boarded my flight home, I found myself already looking forward to next year. I left Geneva with new insights, new relationships, and a deeper appreciation for the global ecosystem that keeps this industry moving forward.

If you would like to connect and learn more about the solutions Martyn Fiddler can help with when it comes to owning, buying or selling a business aircraft or high value assets email barbara@martynfiddler.com.